La chlamydiose is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria named Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most common STI in developed countries. It is spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person. It can also be passed from mother to baby at the time of birth.

Symptoms are usually absent, so a person can be infected without knowing it. When symptoms are present, they usually appear 2 to 5 weeks after transmission:

• vaginal discharge heavy vaginal bleeding between periods and especially after sex in women

• flows through the anus or penis, pain or inflammation of the testicles in men

• feeling of tingling or burn and urinate

• pain during sex

In newborns who are infected with the bacteria, the following symptoms may be noted:

• eye infection: eye redness and discharge

• lung infection: cough, wheezing, fever

In women, the examination consists of a gynecological examination during which the doctor or nurse examines the cervix and takes a sample of the secretions with a cotton swab. A vulvovaginal self-harvest is also possible.

In men, the examination consists of a urethral swab (the urethra is the outlet for urine). The presence of Chlamydia DNA is then tested (by PCR).

The examination can also be performed on a urine sample, in both men and women (a little less sensitive, however, than the vulvovaginal or urethral sample). To do this, simply urinate in a container provided for this purpose provided by the medical staff.

It is recommended to refrain from urinating two hours before the examination.

If the results are positive, antibiotics will help treat the infection.

In order to avoid complications (infertility, chronic infection of the prostate, chronic pain in the lower abdomen or ectopic pregnancy, in the fallopian tubes), it is preferable to seek treatment as quickly as possible. Note that the affected person as well as his sexual partner must be treated.

The best protection against this infection is to use a condom during sex.