## Why is chlamydia dangerous? Chlamydia is caused by chlamydia trachomatis infections, and there are 15 types of it. People with weak immunity and newborns infected by an infected mother are especially susceptible to the disease. Although chlamydia is usually associated exclusively with the genitourinary system, bacteria can cause damage to the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and visual systems. ===Chlamydia can cause infertility and impotence. ## How is it transmitted? - Unprotected intercourse: With single intercourse, the probability of transmission from an infected woman to a man is 68 %, and from an infected man to woman is 25 %. - Vertically transmitted: This occurs with infection of the newborn by the mother during childbirth. - Contact-household route of infection: This has not been proven, but there are isolated cases of infection of the conjunctiva of the eyes—for example, through a towel. ## When should you suspect chlamydia? Chlamydia may not manifest itself for a long time. In 80 % of women and 50 % of men, the disease is asymptomatic, which contributes to the spread of the disease. If you are having problems with joints, lungs, or vision, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. __Symptoms in men:__ watery or mucopurulent discharge from the urethra, burning and itching when urinating, swelling, and redness of the urethra. The acute phase usually becomes chronic and affects the urethra. __Symptoms in women:__ vaginal discharge of a mucous or mucopurulent nature, yellowish with an odor. Other possible symptoms include pain when urinating, pain in the lower abdomen, and intermenstrual bleeding. ## How is it diagnosed? If chlamydia is suspected, you must be tested for PCR (polymerase chain reaction). This allows you to get the result with 95 % accuracy. If complications arise, your doctor may recommend an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), which detects the presence of antibodies to infection and culture. Discharge from the genitals, urine, blood, and sperm is used for diagnostics. ## Can it be cured? The treatment program for each patient is complicated, but the disease is curable. Therapy is carried out with antibiotics, immunomodulators, probiotics, vitamins, topical preparations. The doctor may also prescribe physiotherapy. ## An important note It is necessary to treat both partners at once—otherwise, therapy will be in vain, as re-infection will potentially occur. Even if the partner is not worried about anything, he or she must be convinced to be examined. The asymptomatic course of the disease does not reduce the risk of complications!