Infection with a bacteria called Chlamydia Trachomatis was known in ancient times. From XX century thanks to a huge progress in a field of biology and biotechnology the “silent” bacteria has been identified and diagnosed.

Chlamydia Trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted disease in people worldwide. Little bacteria that strikes human beings causes many infections to the human reproductive organs.

Chlamydia infection affects both men and women, however it concerns women in highest percent. 80% of men and women with Chlamydia have no symptoms and are not aware of their infections.

Chlamydia Trachomatis infection statistics:

• According to World Health Organization (WHO) there are about 5,5 millions Chlamydia infections reported annually in western Europe.
• The latest research shows that already 10 per cent of citizens of developing countries are infected with Chlamydia.
• The highest rate (25 per cent) of infection is reported among young people.
• According to test results carried out by Mother and Child Institute of Warsaw (IMID) it is estimated that there are about 42 thousands female teenagers and about 30 thousands of young women infected with Chlamydia.
• Statistically about 3 thousands among them will not get a chance  to have a baby at all, 2,5 thousands are likely to have problems with mature delivery and 1,5 thousands can expect miscarriages.

What complications can result from untreated Chlamydia?

• Infertility, untreated Chlamydia infection can spread into fallopian tubes causing tubal stenosis and keeping eggs from being fertilized. Or if fertilized egg starts developing in the fallopian tube instead of moving into the uterus that causes ectopic or tubal pregnancy. There are about 120 thousands of young European women diagnosed annually with postchlamydia tubal occusion.
  In highly developed societies, difficulties with getting pregnant are more and more common. WHO alerts in its latest reports that infertility is becoming civilized disease of XXI century. In Poland almost every other couple need at least 6 months to get pregnant. The cause of this problem could be untreated Chlamydia infection.
• Adnexitis (ovaries and uterine tubes),
• Reiter Syndrome- combines inflammation of the urethra, joints and conjunctivitis,
• Urethritis.
• Chlamydia infection is regarded as one of the factors causing cervix cancer.
• In pregnant women with Chlamydia infection the risk of miscarriage increases.

Chlamydia can cause early labor and delivery and fetal membrane inflammation as well as early rupture of the membranes. Bacteria can be passed from mother to baby during birth. Chlamydia infection in newborns can cause pneumonia and neonatal conjunctivitis. Tests carried out in Specialist Regional Hospital in Rzeszow proved that 32 per cent of lost pregnancies was infected with Chlamydia.

Diagnosis and treatment…
Any sexually active person is recommended screening at least annually. Although some physicians recommend screening every 6 months. There are laboratory tests done with a sample obtained from a women’s cervix  to diagnose Chlamydia. However the most reliable yet very expensive way to detect Chlamydia  infection, is genetic test with the use of genetic probe PCR done in specialist laboratories.

Chlamydia infection (without further complications) can be easily and successfully treated and cured with antibiotics. It is important to make sure that both sex partners receive antibiotic treatment.