Chlamydia awareness is crucial when discussing sexually transmitted infections, but it is equally important to recognize other common STIs such as gonorrhea. Gonorrhea, known in Thai as “หนองในแท้”, is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections, accounting for up to 50% of reported STI cases and ranking among the most prevalent today. This infection is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which thrives and multiplies in the mucous membranes of the body, including the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, and even the eyes.
Gonorrhea can affect both men and women. It is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual activity—whether vaginal, anal, or oral—as well as through contact with bodily fluids of an infected person, such as semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. Raising chlamydia awareness alongside gonorrhea education helps improve public understanding of STIs, empowering individuals to take proactive steps in prevention, testing, and treatment.
List of Contents
- Understanding the Different Types of Infection
- Symptoms of Chlamydia
- Complications of Chlamydia
- High-Risk Groups for Chlamydia
- How to Prevent and Reduce the Risk of Chlamydia
- Treatment for Chlamydia
- How to Take Care of Yourself
- Where to Get Chlamydia Treatment
- How Much Does Chlamydia Treatment Cost?
- Q&A About Chlamydia
Chlamydia Awareness – Understanding the Different Types of Infection
Gonorrhoea
- True gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae), a gram-negative, spherical, paired organism with a thick cell wall and motility provided by flagella. It thrives in the mucous membranes of the body, such as the urethra, cervix, rectum, throat, and eyes. Gonorrhea can be found in both men and women, as well as in newborns. The incubation period of this bacterium is typically between 1–10 days.
Chlamydia
- Non-gonococcal urethritis, commonly referred to as chlamydia and caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, presents with symptoms similar to gonorrhea but usually less severe. Unlike gonorrhea, chlamydia awareness often does not show obvious symptoms and has a longer incubation period of more than 10 days.
Symptoms of Chlamydia You Should Know Before It’s Too Late
Most gonorrhea infections develop noticeable symptoms within two weeks of exposure. However, in some cases, symptoms may not appear clearly until one month or longer. Statistics show that about 50% of women and 10% of men with gonorrhea remain asymptomatic, leading to delayed or missed treatment. Symptoms differ depending on whether the infection occurs in the genital area, rectum, throat, eyes, or joints.
- Rectal gonorrhea: pain, discomfort, and possible discharge from the anus.
- Throat gonorrhea: sore throat and swollen lymph nodes.
- Eye gonorrhea: irritation, swelling, and discharge from the eyes.
- Joint gonorrhea: swelling, redness, and pain in the infected joints.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in Men
In men, gonorrhea often causes painful or burning sensations during urination, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain that extends from the tip of the penis to the urethra. Other possible symptoms include frequent urination, incomplete urination, blood in urine, or fever. After sexual activity, a yellow or green discharge may be observed from the penis. Swelling of the scrotum may occur suddenly or gradually, often accompanied by pain, inflammation of the foreskin, or discharge from the rectum.
Gonorrhea in the throat (peritonsillar abscess) often shows no clear symptoms. It involves bacterial infection of the tonsils at the back of the throat, leading to pus buildup, severe sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in Women
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Painful or burning urination
- Abnormal vaginal discharge, often yellow or green
- Excessive vaginal secretions
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse
- Higher risk of serious complications during menstruation compared to men
Summary of Chlamydia Awareness in Women and Men
| Chlamydia in Men | Chlamydia in Women |
|---|---|
| Burning sensation when urinating | Abnormal vaginal discharge |
| White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis | Pain or burning during urination |
| Painful or swollen testicles | Vaginal bleeding between periods |
Complications of Chlamydia Awareness
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. Without proper treatment, it can lead to serious complications. Common complications include:
Disseminated infection: The bacteria can spread to other parts of the body, such as the urethra, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, peritoneum, spine, brain, and joints. Disseminated infection may result in severe health issues such as:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Chlamydial arthritis
- Chlamydial meningitis
- Chlamydial endocarditis
Infertility: In women, chlamydia can cause endometritis (inflammation of the uterine lining), which may lead to blocked fallopian tubes and infertility. In men, it can block the sperm ducts, also resulting in infertility. Both conditions can have psychological and emotional impacts, affecting intimate relationships.
Increased risk of HIV:
Chlamydia infection raises the risk of contracting HIV, as the virus can enter the body more easily through sores or inflammation caused by the infection. In addition, chlamydia may cause other complications such as bloodstream infections, skin infections, and eye infections. The best way to prevent chlamydia complications is to seek timely medical treatment. If symptoms such as pus discharge from the genitals, painful urination, or genital pain occur, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
High-Risk Groups for Chlamydia Infection
Risk factors for chlamydia infection include exposure to the bodily fluids of an infected person, such as vaginal secretions, semen, rectal secretions, oral secretions, or eye and throat discharge. Transmission can also occur from mother to child during childbirth.
The main factors that increase the risk of chlamydia infection are:
- Having unprotected sex without a condom
- A history of previous chlamydia or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Having multiple or frequently changing sexual partners
- Drug abuse or substance use
How to Prevent and Reduce the Risk of Chlamydia Infection
- Always use condoms during sexual activity
- Avoid frequently changing sexual partners
- Avoid sexual activity with unknown or casual partners
- Do not share personal items with someone infected
- Refrain from sexual contact with individuals known to have chlamydia awareness or other STIs
- Get regular STI check-ups at least once a year
Treatment for Chlamydia
If you experience symptoms resembling those of chlamydia, or if you are aware of exposure to the infection, you should consult a healthcare professional immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. It is equally important that your sexual partner(s) also get tested and treated, as untreated partners may continue to spread the infection or cause reinfection.
Treatment typically involves an antibiotic injection followed by a course of oral antibiotics. Most patients start to feel better within 2–3 days, but pelvic or testicular pain may take up to 2 weeks to fully resolve. During treatment, it is crucial to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the bacteria are completely eliminated from the body.
For newborns exposed to infection during delivery, doctors usually administer antibiotic eye drops immediately after birth to prevent transmission. If an infant develops severe symptoms, safe antibiotic therapy may be required to prevent vision loss and reduce the risk of further complications.
How to Take Care of Yourself If You Have Chlamydia Awareness
- Encourage your partner to receive treatment together to prevent reinfection.
- Avoid sexual activity during treatment for at least 2–4 weeks.
- Treatment is necessary in all cases, regardless of symptom severity, to prevent transmission and serious complications.
- If sexual activity cannot be avoided, always use condoms for protection, regardless of the route of contact.
- Refrain from drinking alcohol during the treatment period.
- If symptoms do not improve, if you experience drug allergy-like reactions, or if the infection worsens, consult a doctor immediately for reevaluation.
- Strictly attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled to ensure the effectiveness of treatment.
Where to Get Chlamydia Treatment
If you suspect chlamydia or experience similar symptoms, you should seek medical care for proper diagnosis and treatment. In Thailand, treatment is available under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) scheme and Social Security benefits, through both public and private hospitals as well as specialized STI clinics across different provinces.
The cost of chlamydia treatment depends on your healthcare coverage. With UHC or Social Security, treatment may be free of charge or require only a small co-payment of 30 THB. Additional costs may apply depending on individual health conditions. It is best to check directly with the healthcare facility for accurate cost details.
How Much Does Chlamydia Treatment Cost?
For Thai citizens covered by Universal Health Coverage or Social Security, treatment is usually free. Some may pay only a 30 THB fee under the “Gold Card” scheme. However, extra costs may arise depending on the patient’s condition. For those seeking care at private hospitals or clinics, treatment typically starts from around 500 THB. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm the exact treatment costs.
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Q&A About Chlamydia Awareness
- Is chlamydia curable?
- If you notice unusual symptoms, you should see a doctor for consultation and treatment. Depending on the case, the doctor may prescribe oral medication, topical treatment, or an injection. Treatment plans vary from person to person, but chlamydia is generally curable. However, reinfection is possible if proper protection and prevention are not practiced.
- How is chlamydia treated?
- Treatment depends on medical diagnosis. Some patients may be prescribed oral antibiotics, while others may require injections combined with topical medication. It is strongly recommended to seek medical advice and avoid self-medicating or purchasing drugs without a prescription.
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Is there a vaccine for chlamydia?
- Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent chlamydia. However, vaccines are available for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can help reduce the risk of complications and protect overall sexual health.
- Does having chlamydia mean you have HIV or AIDS?
- Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can be treated and cured. Having chlamydia does not mean you are infected with HIV or have AIDS. However, people with chlamydia are at higher risk of acquiring HIV compared to those without the infection. For peace of mind and safety, HIV testing is recommended whenever you are diagnosed with chlamydia.
- Where is the best place to get treatment for chlamydia?
- Chlamydia treatment should be obtained from a medical facility where a healthcare professional can provide proper consultation and prescribe antibiotics. You should not attempt to self-medicate or order antibiotics online, as this can lead to incomplete treatment or antibiotic resistance.
Related Article
In summary, chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is both treatable and preventable, provided that individuals practice responsible sexual behavior, such as consistently using condoms during all forms of sexual activity and undergoing regular STI screenings. By strengthening chlamydia awareness, understanding its symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies, individuals can better protect their sexual health and contribute to nationwide efforts to reduce infection rates. Remember, having accurate knowledge is the first step toward a healthier future for everyone.
Reference:
โรคติดเชื้อระบบสืบพันธุ์น่ารู้: โรคหนองใน
หนองใน เป็นได้ทั้งชายหญิง รู้ทัน ป้องกันได้
หนองใน (Gonorrhea) โรคติดต่ออันตรายที่ป้องกันได้