TYPE

Chlamydia is a type of bacteria that causes various diseases in men and women.
Chlamydia is known for the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, but there are different forms of chlamydia that causes different diseases in humans. Following are the three different variants of chlamydia:
1) Chlamydia trachomatis: These bacteria are responsible for causing sexually
transmitted disease. This is a recurring infection i.e. once treated, a person can contract it again through unprotected sexual intercourse. Although common in both male and female, the consequences of untreated chlamydia infection are more severe in women.
2) Chlamydia pneumoniae: It is a condition causing infection in the lungs and the
disease may progress to pneumonia. It is not a sexually transmitted disease.
3) Chlamydia psittaci: Although rare in human, the infection of these bacteria may
cause parrot fever.

CAUSES
Chlamydia is a common Sexually Transmitted Disease and the causative agent is
Chlamydia Trachomatis. Following are the causes of Chlamydia:
1) Unprotected Sex: This is the most common cause of transmission of this disease. Any sort of unprotected sex whether vaginal or rectal, with the infected person, leads to the transmission of this disease. Further, it is to be noted that the disease, in its initial stage, does not present any symptoms.
2) Touching the genitals: Even in the absence of any sexual intercourse, the disease can be spread by touching the genitals of the infected person. The bacteria, in the infected person, is present in urethra or rectum of both male and female or in the female, it may be present in the vagina or cervix.
3) Transmission in children: The infants may contact to the disease while moving
from the vaginal canal of the mother during birth.
4) Recurring Infection: Chlamydia recurrence is a common phenomenon. The patient suffering from Chlamydia are at high risk of developing this condition again. To prevent the recurrence, the patient should take consultation with the doctors, who are expert in treating this disease form the origin. Dr. Manu Rajput and Dr. Kanu Rajput of Sidri International are the best ayurvedic doctors for treating chlamydia in Delhi-NCR region.

RISK FACTORS
Chlamydia is not transmitted by kissing the infected person. However, there are certain risk factors that increase the risk of transmission of this infection:
1) Multiple Partners: People engaged in sex with multiple partners are at high risk of developing chlamydia. Adolescents are at more risk as they quickly change their
partners.
2) HIV infection: People suffering from HIV infections are at higher risk of developing chlamydia due to the compromised immune system in such patients.
3) Medical history of Sexually Transmitted Disease: When the defense system of the body gets compromised with the infection caused by some pathogens, the person is at higher risk of invasion by other bacteria or pathogen.
4) Age: People of sexually active age i.e. between 24 to 28 years are at higher risk of getting infected with chlamydia.
5) Cervical ectopy: Women with cervical ectopy are twice at risk of contracting
chlamydia as compared to normal women.
6) Man having sex with another man: As compared to heterosexual male, the
homosexual male is at increased risk due to rectal, or oral sex.

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms in female:
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Painful urination or blood in the urine
• Anal bleeding and pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Abdominal pain
• Increased urination frequency
• Vaginal bleeding, not due to the menstrual cycle

Symptoms in male:
• Swollen testicles
• Painful urination
• White discharge/drip from penis
• Urethral pain
• Rectal pain

WAYS TO DIAGNOSE
In both male and female, there are no particular symptoms at the initial stage of the
disease. Thus, although the potential for transmitting the disease, the infected person is not generally diagnosed at an early stage. The diagnosis of chlamydia can be done through the following techniques;
1) Urine test: Infection is generally found in the urethra and thus a urine test may be able to detect the presence of this bacteria.

2) Swab test: This process is commonly used in diagnosing the women for chlamydia infection. The swab is taken from the vagina or cervix and is cultured on a medium. Presence of chlamydia in the culture confirms the diagnosis.

COMPLICATIONS
If left untreated, chlamydia infection may progress to serious medical conditions. It may lead to infertility in men and women by damaging the reproductive system. In some conditions, the damage is irreversible. In the male, untreated chlamydia may lead to epididymitis and receive arthritis, while in female, the complications are pelvic inflammatory disease and pregnancy complications.

FOODS TO EAT AND AVOID
Foods to eat:
• Sprouts
• Yogurt
• Whole Grain
• Nuts
• Beans
• Fruit juices
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Wheatgrass
• Barley grass
• Almonds
• Olives
• Fish
• Cranberry juice

Foods to avoid:
• Caffeine
• Butter
• Red meat
• Whole day dairy products
• Processed food
• Canned products

PREVENTION TIPS
• Always use protected measures such as condoms while doing sexual intercourse.
• Stay away from alcohol and smoking.
• Eat a healthy diet to improve the immune system
• Undergo regular screening for chlamydia infection
• Limit the number of sexual partners.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

Sexually Transmitted Disease is a disease that requires customized and specialized
attention. Not every doctor is accustomed to treating these infections as treatment of
such diseases incorporates both the physical and psychological aspects. Thus,
specialized doctors should be consulted for chlamydia, who has the experience of
successfully treating such conditions. Dr. Manu Rajput and Dr. Kanu Rajput of Sidri
International, who are one of the top sexologists in Delhi-NCR, are extensively trained and experienced in treating chlamydia. Sidri International, situated in Delhi, is one of the finest clinics for ayurvedic treatment of Sexually Transmitted Disease and other sexual problems including Premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. After carefully evaluating the disease and its progression, they provide customized treatment to the patients along with valuable advice to improve sexual health. As many patients visit their clinic for getting treatment, it is advisable to book a prior appointment to avoid long queues and for a hassle-free experience.