Overview
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide, including in Korea. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and often spreads through unprotected sexual contact. Many people with chlamydia may not experience symptoms, which makes regular screening very important. If untreated, the infection can lead to serious complications such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and increased risk of other STIs.
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the genital tract but can also infect the rectum, throat, and eyes. It is highly contagious and most common among young adults. Since symptoms may be absent, people can unknowingly transmit it to others.
Symptoms
Chlamydia is often called a “silent infection” because symptoms may not appear for weeks or may never appear. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- In Women:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Lower abdominal pain
- Bleeding between periods
- In Men:
- Penile discharge (white, yellow, or green)
- Burning sensation during urination
- Testicular pain or swelling
- Other Sites of Infection:
- Rectum: Pain, discharge, bleeding
- Throat: Sore throat (rare)
- Eyes (conjunctivitis): Redness, discharge, irritation
Causes
- Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria
- Spread through:
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex without protection
- From mother to baby during childbirth
- Contact with infected genital secretions
Risk Factors
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Unprotected sex
- Young age (most common in people under 25)
- Previous or current STI
- Lack of regular STI screening
Complications
- In Women:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Infertility due to fallopian tube damage
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Chronic pelvic pain
- In Men:
- Epididymitis (testicular inflammation)
- Infertility (rare but possible)
- Both Genders:
- Increased risk of contracting or spreading HIV
- Reiter’s syndrome (rare, causing arthritis, eye, and urinary problems)
- Newborns:
- Eye infections (neonatal conjunctivitis)
- Pneumonia
Prevention
- Practicing safe sex (consistent condom use)
- Limiting number of sexual partners
- Regular STI screening, especially for sexually active young adults
- Ensuring both partners are tested before unprotected sex
- Pregnant women receiving prenatal STI screening to protect babies
Treatment Options in Korea
Korea has advanced sexual health services, and treatment for chlamydia is widely available in hospitals and specialized clinics.
1. Diagnosis
- Urine test or swab sample from genital area
- Throat, rectal, or eye swabs if infection suspected outside genital area
- Routine STI screening recommended for high-risk groups
2. Antibiotic Treatment
- Azithromycin (single dose) or Doxycycline (7-day course) are most commonly prescribed
- Sexual partners must also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection
- Patients should abstain from sexual activity until treatment is complete
3. Follow-Up
- Re-testing recommended after 3 months to ensure infection is cleared
- Additional STI testing (e.g., gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis) often performed
