Urinary and genital infections are still a taboo subject in our society. However, many people become infected with bacteria, viruses or fungi at some point in their lives. These infections are not always transmitted through sexual intercourse. Especially in the case of respiratory and eye infections with chlamydia, other ways of transmission are possible. Often people do not even know they have been infected. Chlamydia infections of the genital tract, like other genital diseases, can lead to infertility in some cases. However, many women want to have children sooner or later. This is where IVF may come into play, as artificial insemination offers a way out of the hopelessness in which women and their partners find themselves. But what exactly are these pathogens and how can you protect yourself from them? We would like to take this opportunity to explain a little more about this not-so-harmless disease.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterium that can be passed from one person to another. In many cases, the infection goes undetected at first, but it can also cause severe symptoms right away. Chlamydia is very common in the western world and infections are much more common than you might think. Not only people, but also animals can become infected with bacteria from this family. However, there is one species that is only found in humans. Its name is Chlamydia trachomatis, and it is this bacterium that has caused so much human suffering. Until a few decades ago, the name of this bacterium was almost unknown to the general public in German-speaking countries. Nowadays, people are aware of its existence, but unfortunately the infection sometimes occurs without any symptoms. This is what makes it so dangerous, because if it goes undetected, it can have serious long-term consequences, such as infertility.

The causes of infection

Chlamydia are gram-negative bacteria from a family with an almost unpronounceable name. It is the Chlamydiaceae family of bacteria. They live in the cells of the body they infect. In humans, these are not only cells in the sex organs. These bacteria can also infect the respiratory tract and the eyes. This can lead to a wide range of local symptoms and a severe course of the disease. However, it is not only the severe cases that are recognised and treated that make this disease so dangerous. It is the infections that are not detected and treated in time. Many women are still ashamed to go to the doctor with symptoms such as discharge, pain or even bleeding. They try to treat themselves without knowing what they really have.

Symptoms of genital Chlamydia infection 

In the genital tract, infection with this bacterium can cause symptoms such as burning, discharge and bleeding. As well as the external genital organs, the internal ones can also be affected. This can lead to inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. If left untreated, this can often lead to a blockage that prevents the egg from being fertilised. It is not only the female genital organs that can be affected, but also the urinary tract. Women who are prone to bladder infections are particularly at risk. Unfortunately, the bacteria can also attack the bladder, the ureters and eventually the renal pelvis. Symptoms include burning when urinating, feeling faint, diffuse back pain or even colicky pain. There may also be bleeding in the urinary tract. As with any inflammation of the renal pelvis, this needs to be thoroughly investigated and carefully treated. Otherwise, there is a risk of urosepsis, which is inflammation of the kidneys.

The pathogens also affect the eyes and respiratory tract.

Bacteria from the Chlamydiaceae family can also affect the eyes. Symptoms such as increased tearing, burning, conjunctivitis and discharge are common. If left untreated, the infection can lead to severe eye damage and even complete blindness. Therefore, any unexplained eye inflammation should be examined by an ophthalmologist. Many symptoms can also occur in the throat and pharynx. Untreated upper respiratory tract disease can lead to pneumonia. Chlamydia infection of the upper respiratory tract starts in a similar way to the flu. A droplet infection causes coughing, hoarseness and a burning sensation in the throat. If left untreated, the bacteria can spread very quickly to the lungs. This particular form of the bacteria is called Chlamydia pneumoniae.

How does the doctor make a diagnosis?

When making a diagnosis, the doctor does not just rely on the obvious examination, but also arranges for further tests to be carried out in the laboratory. These bacteria are very easy to detect in body fluids. A smear test will show whether you are infected with the bacteria. If the first point of contact is the family doctor, he or she will usually refer the patient to a specialist. As superinfections with serious consequences can occur at any time, treatment should be started immediately after clarification by the GP or specialist. If the infection is in the genital area, the patient should see her gynaecologist immediately. A smear test and possibly further tests will quickly determine whether you have chlamydia. The doctor can then decide on a treatment plan and take immediate action.

Treatments for Chlamydia infections

There is no cure for infection with these dangerous bacteria, but there are effective medicines. These are antibiotics, usually given as tablets. The doctor may also treat the infection locally with ointments, drops, rinses, suppositories and creams, depending on the area of the body affected. If the infection is in the genital area, it is important to treat both the woman and her partner. If this is not done, the couple will continue to infect each other.

How does the disease progress?

An acute chlamydia infection can be well controlled with antibiotics, which are often given locally. If the disease is diagnosed early, it does not take a serious course. The situation is different in chronic cases, where the bacteria may have caused serious damage. If the eyes are affected, there is even a risk of blindness. If an infection in the throat is left untreated, it can even lead to pneumonia. And if the genital area is affected, there is even a risk of infertility if the infection is left untreated. Pregnant women and their unborn babies are also at risk if they are infected. Treatment may even need to be given in hospital to minimise the risk of miscarriage. If the infection goes undetected, the mother can pass it on to the baby during birth.

Prevention is possible - IVF sometimes a last resort

There are some things you can do to prevent infection. The frequent change of sexual partners is the reason for such an infection in the genital area. That is why you should always use a condom when you have sex with a new partner. It is not just about these bacteria, but also about other dangers such as HIV. However, if you experience any of the symptoms described above, you should always see a doctor immediately. Prevention is possible, but if infection and disease do occur, all is not lost. Artificial insemination can be a way for women who want to have children to become pregnant despite the infection.