What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infections in Japan.
Many people who are infected experience no noticeable symptoms and therefore leave it untreated. It is particularly common among young people, and research reports that over half of infected individuals are asymptomatic. The routes of infection are sexual contact involving the genitals, mouth, and anus. In addition to the genitals, chlamydia can infect the pharynx (throat) and anus, and can even cause conjunctivitis by infecting the conjunctiva of the eye.
In men, urethritis can progress to epididymitis, and in women, cervicitis can progress to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility. Furthermore, if a pregnant woman is infected, there is a risk of perinatal transmission to the newborn during childbirth.
Chlamydia is often found as a co-infection (co-infection) with gonorrhea, reported in approximately 20-30% of cases. Therefore, if there has been any activity that poses a risk of infection, it is important to undergo regular testing.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
In Men
Symptoms may appear after an incubation period of 1 to 3 weeks, but often symptoms are mild or absent. If symptoms are present, they may include:
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Pain or discomfort during urination
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Small amount of clear, watery discharge
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Mild itching or tingling sensation
If left untreated, inflammation can spread to the epididymis, causing swelling and pain in the testicles (epididymitis). Since infection can also occur through oral sex and anal sex, pharyngeal and anal examinations are also necessary.
In Women
Symptoms may appear after about 1 to 3 weeks of infection, but over half of women are asymptomatic.
If symptoms occur, they may include:
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Increased vaginal discharge
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Irregular bleeding
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Lower abdominal pain
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Pain during intercourse
If left untreated, it can progress to endometritis, salpingitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease, potentially leading to infertility or blocked fallopian tubes. Furthermore, if pregnant women are infected, there is a risk of their baby becoming infected during childbirth (neonatal conjunctivitis, pneumonia). Since the throat and anus can also be infected, site-specific testing is important.
Throat and Anal Infections
Throat infections are mostly asymptomatic, but some people may experience discomfort, mild pain, or itching.
Anal infections also rarely cause severe symptoms, often limited to mild itching or discomfort.
Chlamydia Testing Methods
Types of Tests
Chlamydia testing includes antigen tests and antibody tests.
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Antigen test: Confirms current infection (high sensitivity methods like PCR and TMA)
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Antibody test: Checks for past or present infection history (blood test)
Sample Collection Methods
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Men: Urine test
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Women: Vaginal discharge collected with a swab (preferably after menstruation)
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Throat: Gargle sample collected
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Anus: Sample collected by inserting a swab
Chlamydia Prevention
If you have a partner, it is important for both individuals to be tested and treated.
If only one person receives treatment, "ping-pong infection" can occur, leading to repeated infections.
The following are effective for preventing infection:
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Taking DoxyPEP
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Using condoms during sexual activity
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Avoiding contact with partners suspected of infection
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Undergoing regular STI screening
Even if symptoms are mild, do not leave chlamydia untreated. Early detection and early treatment are paramount. Mona also handles DoxyPEP for STI prevention, so please feel free to contact us.
Chlamydia Treatment at Mona (Online Consultation)
Mona offers online consultations that can be completed from home, without the need for a clinic visit.
We prescribe antibiotics effective against Chlamydia infections and ship them nationwide with free shipping.
We can also mail testing kits and suggest other STI prevention and treatment options based on your symptoms and medical history. We look forward to your appointment.
