Why is testing for Chlamydia important?
• Chlamydia can lie dormant for many years without causing symptoms; this increases the chances of it being spread to others, as the carrier is unaware. • Because of this, if Chlamydia is diagnosed in someone who is in a longstanding relationship, it does not necessarily mean that either partner has been unfaithful. • In women, the infection can spread upwards from the cervix, to involve the womb, fallopian tubes, and pelvis. This is called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). • If not promptly treated, PID can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes, which can result in infertility (difficulty in getting pregnant), or an Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in one of the tubes instead of the womb). Chlamydia is the commonest cause of infertility. • If a woman has a Chlamydia infection when she is pregnant it can be passed on to the baby in the womb or at birth. This can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or eye/lung infection following birth. • In men, the infection can spread upwards into one o
Related Questions
- Does digital vaginal examination using lubricant have an impact on testing of Chlamydia trachomatis by polymerase chain reaction?
- How adequate is adequate for the collection of endocervical specimens for Chlamydia trachomatis testing?
- Why is urogenital testing the only testing referenced in the chlamydia and gonorrhea measures?
