Chlamydia is dangerous infection, which must be treated immediately after the first signs of infection appear, because it is fraught with serious consequences and complications.
Much can be said about this disease, as well as about everything that concerns it. But now we will talk about chronic chlamydia in men.
About the disease
The ailment in question can affect the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, visual and respiratory systems, but most often - the genitourinary system. Urogenital chlamydia is manifested by symptoms of inflammatory diseases, and becomes chronic rather quickly. This cannot be allowed, because the consequences are quite serious. Among them are infertility, ascending urinary tract infections, neurochlamydia, impotence, cardiovascular diseases, joint damage, etc.
The infection is transmitted sexually. The causative agent is Chlamydia trachomatis. Unfortunately, in Lately more and more cases of infection. Most often, the diseased are men aged 20 to 40 years, as well as sexually active adolescents. According to statistics, 90 million people around the world become infected with chlamydia every year. At risk are people with weakened immune systems.
Very often, chronic chlamydia in men is combined with other infections. As a rule, these are gardnerellosis, thrush, ureaplasmosis, syphilis, mycoplasmosis, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. The combination of several infections only exacerbates the course of the disease, and this negatively affects the duration of treatment.
Before talking about how to cure chronic chlamydia in men, it should be noted that the pathogen can live inside the cells of the infected for a long time. Bacteria simply do not manifest themselves in any way during this period, which can last for years. But if the body's defenses are weakened, they will begin to actively multiply and progress, which will lead to clinical manifestations of chlamydia.
However, as a rule, from the moment of infection to the onset of symptoms, it takes from 7 to 15 days (slightly less often - up to one month).
Symptoms
They also need to be listed, since we are talking about chronic chlamydia in men. The fact is that in about 46% of the sick, the disease proceeds without any manifestations. This significantly complicates the diagnosis and treatment, and also increases the risk of complications. But an asymptomatic disease is still dangerous. The carrier of the infection is potentially dangerous, as it can infect its partner.
But in most cases, the symptoms of chronic chlamydia in men appear. The following can be distinguished:
- Discharge from the urethra of a watery or mucopurulent nature. They usually appear in the morning.
- Burning and itching during urination. The urine itself becomes somewhat cloudy.
- Redness and swelling of the urethra.
- Increased to 37-37.6 ° C body temperature.
- Loss of strength and general weakness.
- Pain in the lumbar and groin.
All these symptoms are characteristic of the disease, which is in the acute stage. In the absence of treatment, they subside, but this does not mean that the disease has receded. On the contrary, he passed into the stage of chronic chlamydia. In men, the symptoms disappear, and they are replaced by a lesion of the urethra, which can be treated much more difficult than an acute illness.
Diagnostics
How to determine the presence of a disease? This question also needs to be answered, since we are talking about chronic chlamydia in men.
Diagnosis is carried out by urologists. However, it is also necessary to make an appointment with a venereologist in order to exclude the possibility of contracting other sexually transmitted infections based on the results of the examination.
What about diagnostic measures? A general cytological smear does not give a complete picture of the presence of chlamydia. Therefore, PCR diagnostics are now being carried out. This method makes it possible to detect the pathogen in the test material even in a very small amount. Its accuracy reaches 95%.
Another informative method is enzyme immunoassay. It helps to detect the presence of antibodies to the pathogen. Sometimes they resort to direct immunofluorescence, which involves microscopy of smears stained with a special substance.
In addition to the above, bacteriological culture is often used to diagnose chronic chlamydia in men, whose photo shows an unpleasant picture. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic sensitivity test.
As a rule, the material for carrying out all the above procedures is blood, semen, urine, cell scrapings, as well as secretions from the genital organs.
Preparing for diagnostics
A man, having decided to make an appointment with a urologist for an examination, must prepare. Here are the rules to follow:
- 1-2 days before the reception, you need to give up intimate relationships.
- You will need to refuse to use any special hygiene products.
- You will have to stop the use of sprays, ointments and other medicines.
- On the eve of the examination, in the evening, it is necessary to cleanse the external genital organs. For this, it is allowed to use warm water and soap. You don't have to do anything in the morning.
- 2-3 hours before the examination, it is advisable not to relieve yourself.
Complications
The consequences of chronic chlamydia in men should be discussed separately. If this disease is not treated, then the following complications are likely to occur:
- Prostatitis. It begins to develop due to the involvement of the prostate gland in the infectious process. Chlamydial prostatitis is accompanied by many unpleasant symptoms: pain in the rectum, perineum and lower back, slight discharge from the urethra, problems with potency, difficulty urinating.
- Urethritis. Accompanied by damage to the urethra. Pronounced symptoms are frequent painful urge to urinate, as well as mucopurulent discharge. You can't start this disease. This is fraught with narrowing of the urethra.
- Epididymitis. It develops due to inflammation of the epididymis. This complication is accompanied by a severely elevated temperature, redness and swelling of the scrotum, as well as a direct increase in the epididymis.
All of these urogenital diseases are fraught with infertility and impaired spermatogenesis. In addition, there is a possibility of inflammation of the rectum, lungs, joints, kidneys, bronchi.
However, one of the most serious consequences is Reiter's disease. It manifests itself in the simultaneous damage to the articular tissues, eyes, mucous membranes and, of course, the urogenital tract. Urethritis, conjunctivitis, arthritis, dysuric disorders, edema, defiguration of the fingers - this is only a small part of the symptoms of this disease.
It is difficult to cope with it, the treatment lasts at least six months. It is possible to achieve a stable remission, but this does not exclude the possibility of exacerbation.
Chlamydia and reproductive function
In scientific terms, hyperproduction of the active form of the oxygen radical by polymorphonuclear leukocytes of sperm is noted. This leads to damage to the sperm membrane. And this phenomenon, in turn, has a depressing effect on the ability to fertilize.
It is also important to consider that such a pathology still often leads to abnormal development of the fetus.
Features of therapy
Now we can talk about the treatment of chronic chlamydia in men. It is immediately necessary to make a reservation that therapy for this disease, in whatever form it takes, involves taking antibiotics. It is strictly forbidden to choose them yourself.
The doctor prescribes drugs of the tetracycline group - macrolides and fluoroquinolones. But, as a rule, the course of rational treatment of chronic chlamydia in men is not limited to medication alone. Often the patient has to take two drugs from various groups. The doctor may prescribe bacteriophages, antifungal agents, enzymes, enzymes.
If necessary, the patient is prescribed physiotherapy. The most popular are magnetotherapy, ultrasound and electrophoresis.
Tetracycline drugs
The most famous drug is the drug "Tetracycline" in tablets. It is prescribed if the patient does not have pathologies of the liver and kidneys. The course of treatment is 1-2 weeks. It must be taken four times a day for 0.4 g. Ointment is usually prescribed for chlamydial conjunctivitis.
Effective and "Metacycline". It has diverse antimicrobial activity. The capsules must be taken within one week. The daily dose is 600 mg.
Minocycline is also prescribed. This is a drug of semi-synthetic origin, which is available in the form of a suspension, capsules and tablets. It should be taken 40 minutes every day at 200 mg before meals, also for one week.
But the most effective drug from this group - "Doxycycline". It is available in the form of a powder (a solution is prepared from it, which is administered parenterally) and capsules. The active substance destroys most strains of the pathogen. In a pharmacy, the drug can be found under the name Dorix, Vibramycin, Unidox Solutab. Take one of these funds twice a day for 0.1 g for 1-2 weeks.
Talking about the drugs taken in the treatment of chronic chlamydia in men, it should be noted that side effects may occur. Most often this headache, nausea, hypertension, vomiting, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, as well as increased skin sensitivity to ultraviolet rays.
Macrolides
This is another group of drugs that are used in the treatment of chronic chlamydia in men and women. Antibiotics of this series are distinguished by a powerful bacteriostatic effect. They are semi-synthetic and natural.
Most often, patients are prescribed "Erythromycin". It is an effective macrolide, but not everyone tolerates it well. It should be consumed four times a day, 0.25 g, one and a half hours before meals. The course lasts one week. It is allowed to supplement the treatment with a local effect on the organ - for this, an ointment with erythromycin in the composition is used.
Best of all, patients tolerate Spiramycin (Rovamycin). This drug has less toxicity, and it also accumulates in the focus of inflammation. It should be taken three times a day for 3 million units for 10 days.
Also, the doctor can prescribe "Sumamed" - the best azalide in existence. A single application is enough to ensure that the drug for five next day remained in the focus of inflammation in the maximum concentration.
This tool is able to destroy even pale treponema and gonococci. In addition, the likelihood of side effects minimal. Take this remedy as follows: once two tablets of 0.5 g on the first day, and in the next 5-7 - one at a time.
Another option is Roxithromycin. Low toxicity, but highly active, it is excreted slowly from the body. You need to drink it 2 times a day, 0.15 g, always 20 minutes before meals. The course of treatment lasts 10-14 days.
Often prescribed "Klacid" and "Vilprafen" (twice a day, 0.5 g, course 1.5-2 weeks) and "Macropen" (three times a day for two weeks, 0.4 g each).
Fluoroquinolones
As clinical trials have shown, the drugs of this group are somewhat inferior in efficiency to the notorious tetracyclines and macrolides. These are Norfloxacin, Lomefloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Sparfloxacin, and Levofloxacin. They are rarely used in the treatment of acute or chronic chlamydia.
However, there is a drug that has excellent reviews - this is Ofloxacin (Tarivid). It represents the second generation of fluoroquinolones. It should be taken within 7-10 days once a day. The dosage is 0.4 g.
Possible side effects include kidney failure, sleep problems, epigastric pain, and also cardiovascular disorders. The medicine is serious but effective. It is used even in the fight against the resistant form of the disease.
Other drugs
The above medicines are not all drugs that help eliminate the symptoms of chronic chlamydia in men. Treatment this disease often implies the use of "Amoxiclav". This is a combined antibacterial drug that has a broad spectrum effect.
"Amoxiclav" the doctor may prescribe additionally - in the event that a streptococcal infection has joined the underlying disease. However, it is forbidden to take it together with aminoglycosides.
Still can be appointed "Augmentin". It is a complete analogue of the notorious "Amoxiclav". The active ingredients are the same, only the manufacturer and price differ.
Also, in order to strengthen the immune system, the patient may be prescribed drugs such as Levamisole and Timogen. They significantly increase the body's defenses. It is often appropriate to use interferon inducers ("Cycloferon") and proteolytic enzymes ("Chymotrypsin").
Forecast
Previously, much has been said about the treatment of chronic chlamydia in men and the consequences that ignoring this disease entails. What can be said about forecasts?
It is very important to start therapy immediately. And if a man is diagnosed with chlamydia, it is necessary to examine both partners, even in the absence of symptoms. Why? Because if one of the partners infected with the disease does not start therapy, then the second, cured, can become infected again.
It is also very important to undergo diagnostics one and a half to two months after the completion of the course (ELISA and PCR methods are used). If the test results for chlamydia are negative, then the person is healthy.
Once again, we must make a reservation that it is necessary to treat this disease in the acute stage. Getting rid of chronic chlamydia is very difficult. In addition, it is fraught with a lot of consequences - from infertility to impotence.
The chronic course of infection of the human body with chlamydia differs from the disease in an acute form in that it is asymptomatic and thus manages to cause great harm to internal organs.
The absence of any characteristic manifestations or the occurrence of symptoms similar to those of other diseases leads to the fact that patients do not seek timely help from a doctor. The vital activity and reproduction of chlamydia go unnoticed for a long time, which causes severe infection and impaired performance. internal organs.
The course of the chronic form of chlamydia occurs most often against the background of the absence of a clinical picture or the appearance of minor disturbing symptoms, which patients often mistake for signs of other pathologies. Chronic in women and men is also dangerous because a patient who is unaware of infection for a long time spreads the infection.
It is usually possible to detect the “chronicle” of chlamydia infection during periods of exacerbations, when disease-causing agents are activated against the background of a decrease in immunity. During this time, infected men and women may notice the following symptoms:
- discharge from the urethra (in men) and vagina (in women) - more and more abundant, characterized by an unpleasant odor and a yellowish tint;
- pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, groin;
- bloody inclusions in urine, ejaculate, vaginal discharge;
- burning, itching, discomfort, complicating the processes of urination and sexual activity;
- inflammatory processes covering various internal organs - the prostate gland and urethra in men, the cervix, urethra, glands and mucous membranes in the vagina in women.
Outside the stage of exacerbations (in the form of remission), chronic chlamydia manifests itself as a general decrease in immunity, leading to frequent infection of the patient with viral diseases. Patients may also experience the following symptoms:
- deterioration of well-being;
- lethargy;
- weakness;
- loss of appetite;
- increased fatigue.
If such signs occur on their own, without any other significant health problems, then this should be the reason for going to the doctor and undergoing a diagnostic examination.
Causes of the formation of the chronic form
Doctors allocate the following reasons, according to which pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply and transform the disease into the form of a "chronicle":
- lack of therapy due to the asymptomatic course of chlamydia;
- ignoring the need for treatment even with the manifestation of noticeable symptoms of the disease;
- attempts to self-medicate or receive unskilled help;
- belated start of treatment;
- violation of the scheme of exposure or self-cancellation of the course of therapy by the patient.
Even one of the listed conditions is enough for the immunity to be shaken, and chlamydia have the opportunity to resume the attack on the internal organs that have not yet been infected.
Diagnosis of the disease
Diagnosis of the chronic form of chlamydia, even if the patient has previously been treated and the tests did not confirm the presence of chlamydia, should be a regular event. The only way to identify a neglected and hidden disease is to undergo an examination and take tests every few months.
PCR tests, ELISA and culture can reliably confirm the hidden. The latter method gives not only the desired result with a fairly high accuracy, but also allows specialists to determine the sensitivity of identified microorganisms to the effects of certain antibacterial agents, which greatly helps in prescribing the optimal treatment for chronic chlamydia to the patient.
Treatment Methods
Medical course
Chlamydia should be treated comprehensively, with the use of complex scheme, in which the course of drug exposure is 7-10 days and each of them is prescribed after a break of a week. Therapy for chlamydia infection may include taking the following medications for patients:
- tablets Rovamycin (antibiotic-macrolide);
- tablets and suspension Vilprafen (an antibacterial drug from the macrolide group, a broad-spectrum agent);
- Tetracycline tablets (antibiotics from a number of drugs of the same name);
- Clindamycin (a drug from the group of lincosamides, produced in various forms).
After a course of antibiotics for patients with chronic chlamydia, doctors prescribe other medications:
- antifungal - Nystatin, Flucostat;
- bacteriophage agents (drugs containing weakened viruses that can selectively destroy bacterial cells) - Intesti-Bacteriophage, Kolifag;
- enzyme preparations - Mezim;
- probiotic medicines - Atsilakt, Bifidumbacterin;
- hepatoprotectors;
- antioxidants;
- vitamin and mineral complexes, multivitamins;
- means to restore the functioning of the immune system.
- iontophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- ultrasound therapy;
- electrophoresis.
An equally important part of the fight against chronic chlamydia is the restrictions that must be observed in order to make the disease easier to treat:
- refusal of sexual activity;
- exclusion of increased physical activity;
- diet with the removal of spicy and spicy foods from the diet;
- getting rid of bad habits, especially from drinking alcohol.
Traditional medicine cannot fully cure the chronic form of chlamydia, however, drugs prepared according to its recipes will help speed up the cure and neutralize the effects of infection by pathogens. The main task of non-traditional medicines is to stimulate profuse urination, since chlamydia affected by drugs, as well as particles of dead cells of the affected internal organs and metabolites are also excreted in the urine. medicines. The following drugs can be used by patients with a disease:
- diuretic infusion of juniper fruits with horsetail grass: take 2 tsp. ingredients, mix, pour 350 ml of boiling water, let it brew and strain, then drink 1 tbsp. l. 3-4 times a day;
- diuretic collection - 1 tsp each. juniper fruits, cornflower flowers, finely chopped angelica roots - mix everything, pour 350 ml hot water, 1 hour insist, strain, drink 1 tbsp. l. before every meal;
- infusion of birch leaves and horsetail - take 1 tsp. both, pour 700 ml of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes, then drink ½ cup three times a day.
Alternative treatment of chlamydia should be prescribed and monitored by a doctor, since self-medication is dangerous for the development of an even more neglected form for internal organs and systems.
Prevention and danger of complications
Since chronic chlamydia is a neglected form of the disease, it is very important to take preventive measures so as not to provoke the development of infection. The main recommendation is controlled sexual activity with the minimum amount partners, the use of condoms and mandatory regular medical examinations. Patients who have already experienced infection with chlamydia should protect their immunity, treat all diseases in a timely manner, and also improve their health by hardening, taking vitamins and optimal physical activity. Failure to comply with preventive recommendations leads to the risk of complications, including diseases of the reproductive system:
- in men - damage to the prostate gland, seminal vesicles and testicles, leading to impotence and obstructive form of infertility;
- in women - infection of the fallopian tubes, the formation of adhesions, which causes infertility or, if the infection occurred during pregnancy, causing irreversible damage to the fetus, miscarriage, miscarriage.
Another dangerous consequence chronic (neglected) form of chlamydia for patients is the spread of chlamydia throughout the body with infection and causing severe pathologies to internal organs.
In the fight against chlamydia, a long course of antibiotics is selected. Medicines are prescribed in a high dose, because otherwise the therapy will be useless.
Another problem is that drugs are taken only during an exacerbation, the rest of the time, chlamydia is not susceptible to antibiotics. To cure the disease, 3-4 courses of medications are required, so the therapy takes several months.
Signs and symptoms in men and women
Most patients are unaware that they have chronic chlamydia. There are no specific signs of the disease, and with a long course of the disease, its asymptomatic course is possible. Discharge from the genitals, burning during urination, etc., is observed only at the time of the transition of chlamydia into a chronic form.
With the development of complications, there is a sharp pain during defecation, pain in the eyes, a strong cough, damage to the knee joints.
In men, 50% of cases of chlamydia are asymptomatic. In other situations, there is:
- constant weakness and malaise;
- cloudy urine;
- a slight increase in temperature;
- discharge of pus from the urethra;
- itching in the urethra;
- discomfort during urination and sexual intercourse;
- bleeding after ejaculation;
- pain in the lower back and groin;
- swelling of the genital organs;
- aching pain in the anus.
Over time, the health status of men will deteriorate and the process of reproduction of chlamydia will lead to negative consequences. The photo shows what the genitals affected by chlamydia look like. Chronic illness affects the immune system, contributes to the development of arthritis, prostatitis and infertility.
In women, chronic chlamydia leads to infertility and diseases of the pelvic organs.
Laboratory and instrumental diagnostics
Regular preventive examinations are necessary for people who:
- lead promiscuous sex life;
- suffer from infertility;
- experienced vaginitis, cervical erosion, or metritis;
- discovered chlamydia in their sexual partner.
For the diagnosis of chlamydia, a scraping is used, it is taken from the cervix, the mucous membrane of the eyes or the urethra. Biomaterial is taken with disposable instruments. In addition, blood, urine and seminal fluid (in men) are analyzed.
The chronic form of the disease is treated with antibacterial agents. The doctor selects pills taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen. Medications must be taken by both partners to avoid re-infection. Medications are prescribed on an individual basis.
To suppress chlamydia, tetracyclines (doxycycline, unidox solutab, vilprafen), fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin) and macrolides (sumamed, azithromycin, clarithromycin) are used.
In order to cure a patient from a chronic form of the disease, the use of several drugs at once will be required.
In addition to antibiotics, plant enzymes are used to stimulate the normal functioning of the kidneys and liver and prevent intoxication. Vitamins and probiotics are also prescribed to normalize the intestinal microflora. During the treatment of chronic chlamydia, sexual contact is unacceptable.
During pregnancy, chlamydia can cause miscarriage, premature birth, or early amniotic fluid leakage. Also, the child is at risk of contracting the disease during intrauterine period or during passage through the birth canal. In young children, chlamydia is much more difficult to treat because the body can react negatively to antibiotics.
Women bearing a child may not notice the symptoms of chronic chlamydia, but when observed by a doctor, the disease will be detected after the first examinations. The disease will negatively affect the general condition of the expectant mother: it will weaken the immune system, lead to inflammation of the vagina, urinary tract and other disorders. Therefore, it is important to regularly see a gynecologist during pregnancy and consult a doctor at the slightest sign of malaise.
Recovery stage
With a sluggish process, the recovery technique involves:
- active immunotherapy;
- use of local medicines;
- prescribing antibiotics and antifungal medications a week later;
- the use of antioxidants and multivitamins;
- use of physiotherapeutic methods of treatment.
The duration of the course of treatment is about 4 weeks, after which a second diagnostic examination is carried out 2 weeks and a month after the completion of the medication. This allows you to monitor the patient's condition and, if necessary, start another cycle of medication.
Can you move your head
Some people start to seek help from a doctor when they notice a twitching of the head in themselves or their child. In fact, this symptom is not related to chlamydia. It may result from injury nervous system. Head twitching is more common in young children than in adults. In this case, you need to contact a neurologist as soon as possible.
Chronic chlamydia is a health hazard that can lead to a number of serious complications. To avoid this, you should regularly check your health with a doctor and seek medical care when the first symptoms appear.
A disease lasting more than one month is considered to be chronic in medicine. No exception and insidious infection, which is sexually transmitted - chlamydia. According to statistics, more than 110 million people worldwide become ill with chronic chlamydia every year.
Chlamydia is the causative agent of this pathology. After the introduction of these microorganisms into the body through the entrance gate, an acute form of the disease develops first, followed by a transition to a chronic form. The most common cause of such a pathological phenomenon is the lack of adequate or timely treatment.
Why does the acute form become chronic?
Chlamydia begins with a latent (incubation) period. Its duration corresponds to the time from the beginning of the introduction of the pathogen into the body (that is, infection) to the manifestation of its vital activity in it. The duration of this period is different - from several days to 2 months - and depends on the immune status of the person. The latent period ends with the manifestation of signs characteristic of the acute course of the disease. However, it is possible that its symptoms will be erased or absent altogether, which is a particular health hazard, since untreated acute chlamydia contributes to a chronic process.
How can you get infected?
Chlamydia enters the human body during sexual intercourse. The entrance gates are:
- mucous membranes of the genital organs of women and men, that is, the vagina, cervix, urethra;
- the mucous membrane of the rectum - with anal contact;
- the mucous membrane of the oral cavity - with oral caresses.
The pathological process is triggered by reduced immunity, as well as chronic or sexually transmitted diseases. If a pregnant woman is infected, then during childbirth, when the child passes through the birth canal, the infection can be transmitted to him. In this case, the child may develop conjunctivitis, otitis media, and even pneumonia. It is difficult to become infected with close household contact. That is, swimming in the pool, steaming in the bath, using shared towels, it is almost impossible to get infected.
Specialists have identified another form of the disease - persistent, in which chlamydia, entering the human body, do not multiply, but seem to "doze" in anticipation of failures in the host's immune system. According to statistics, approximately 15% of sexually active people are just carriers of chlamydia, the symptoms of which they do not have. In such a case, a person is a source of infection and infects sexual partners. Even with the help modern ways diagnosis is not always possible to detect carriage. Symptoms of the disease begin to appear when other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, are connected.
Clinical manifestation of the disease
The course of the disease in the chronic form has its own differences. The patient may not be disturbed at all, or the symptoms may be smoothed out and practically not manifest themselves.
In the classical course of pathology, when immunity is reduced, in women the disease manifests itself as follows:
- there are discharges of a mucopurulent nature from the genitals. In addition to the pathological volume, there is bad smell and color;
- the disease is accompanied by pain. The pain has a pulling character and is localized in the lumbar region, groin or lower abdomen;
- Possible intermenstrual spotting;
- burning sensation during sexual intercourse, as well as during urination.
In men, advanced chlamydia is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- discharge from the urethra, which occurs mainly in the morning;
- feeling of discomfort (burning, slight itching) at the time of urination;
- difficulty urinating;
- the occurrence of pain in the groin, testicles;
- excretion of cloudy urine;
- the appearance of blood streaks in semen, urine;
- adhesion of the terminal end of the urethra.
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In addition to local symptoms, chlamydia is characterized by general changes on the part of the body, which is expressed in lethargy, hyperthermia, fatigue, decreased appetite. This is how the intoxication syndrome manifests itself, indicating the spread of infection outside the affected system.
Pregnant women experience chlamydia with similar symptoms. The danger of this condition lies in the infection of the child, during its passage through the birth canal. The disease significantly reduces immunity, predisposing to inflammation of not only the urinary organs, the vagina. After childbirth, the risk of metritis (inflammation of the uterus) is high.
Complications of the chronic form
Among the main complications are:
- a prolonged inflammatory process leads to the formation of adhesions, which limit the spread of pathology beyond the focus and at the same time lead to structural and functional changes in the organs of the reproductive system. In men, adhesions block the testes, in women obstruction of the fallopian tubes develops. Against the background of ongoing processes, infertility may develop;
- a long-term pathological process with an advanced disease progresses and is “transferred” not only to neighboring organs (bladder, urethra), but also affects distant body systems, for example, vision, lungs. Often there is one of the pathologies called Reiter's disease, accompanied by simultaneous damage to the eyes, urinary organs and joints;
- deformation of the urethra in the form of narrowing, kinks. Her only treatment is surgery;
- narrowing of the spermatic tract leads to a violation of the formation of spermatozoa and infertility in men;
- prostatitis, first acute and then chronic, is accompanied by a change in the quality of the secret secreted by the prostate gland and the death of male germ cells, and, consequently, infertility;
- the chronic form of the disease is fraught with the spread of infection to the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and heart.
Laboratory diagnostics
Chlamydia can be detected randomly during preventive examinations, as well as during tests for the purpose of making a diagnosis, since the signs of the disease alone are not always enough for the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis. Additional research methods help to make sure of it.
Persons who should be screened first:
- if there is a promiscuous sex life with a frequent change of partners;
- upon detection of this disease in a sexual partner;
- women suffering from primary or secondary infertility, even if the sexual partner does not have a history of this disease;
- women who have a history of spontaneous miscarriages, premature birth, ectopic pregnancy;
- men suffering from infertility;
- women who have the following pathologies: cervical erosion, metritis, vaginitis.
In order to detect microorganisms, a scraping is done, which contains the cells of an organ, for example, the urethra, cervix, and the mucous membrane of the eye. Scrapings are taken with special disposable instruments. In addition, blood, urine, and semen tests will confirm the disease.
Content
The disease is an infection, the treatment of which is difficult even with the use of potent drugs and antibiotics. The complexity of the disease lies in its difficult detection, because it proceeds imperceptibly, with virtually no symptoms, but with frequent relapses. It becomes chronic, causing inconvenience to both men and women. The course of treatment can range from one day to several years.
What is chronic chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a group of sexually transmitted infections through the vagina and rectum, less commonly through oral sex. It is caused by chlamydia - pathogens. There are two types of these bacteria:
- The former cause ornithosis infection in humans, birds, and animals;
- The latter have 15 varieties, two of which affect the genitourinary system, causing chronic urogenital chlamydia.
Statistics show that 100 million people fall ill every year in the world. Up to 15% of sexually active people are infected with chlamydia. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection. This is due to the fact that the disease is an asymptomatic type, therefore, venereologists turn to the fight against it Special attention. Chlamydia causes a wide range of diseases, spreading throughout the body.
Symptoms
Patients do not realize that they are developing a chlamydial infection. They believe that the symptoms indicate cystitis or urethritis, because there are separate signs: discharge from the vagina and urethra with white or yellow tint, burning when urinating, redness around the genitals. Symptoms are observed only after the transition of the disease to a chronic form with developing complications. The main symptoms include:
- persistent diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
- sharp, long pains during defecation;
- pain in the eyes;
- joint pain.
In men
The disease in men proceeds with virtually no symptoms, 50% of them can find out about the disease only after being examined in a hospital. In the acute form, men are concerned about:
- an increase in body temperature up to 37.5 ° C;
- weakness, malaise;
- vitreous, mucous, purulent discharge from the urethra;
- itching, irritation, burning in the urethra when urinating;
- cloudy urine;
- spotting when urinating or ejaculating;
- pain in the groin and lower back;
- redness, swelling of the external opening of the urethra;
- discomfort in the perineum;
- pain in the scrotum, anus.
These factors do not cause much discomfort and pass quickly, so many do not go to the doctor. The state of health is deteriorating, but imperceptibly. It becomes chronic. Infection with chlamydia can trigger autoimmune processes, cause infertility, chronic prostatitis, and arthritis. The above symptoms are similar to signs of other infections, therefore, it is possible to identify the pathogen only in the hospital by undergoing an examination.
Among women
Symptoms appear only in 33% of women, the rest can find out about the disease after visiting a doctor and passing secondary tests. The latent course of the disease causes a number of complications and increases the chance of infecting a partner. Even a vaginal smear may be normal. With an exacerbation, women meet with the following symptoms:
- temperature rise to 37°C - 37.5°C;
- pain in the lower abdomen, lumbar;
- frequent urge to urinate, pain;
- pains at the beginning of bladder emptying;
- signs of intoxication (weakness, fatigue, etc.);
- mucopurulent, white, yellowish discharge with a pungent odor;
- itching, irritation on the mucous membrane of the genital organs;
- discharge with blood from the cervix;
- erosion of the cervix (diagnosed by a gynecologist).
Pregnant chlamydia will bring many problems. Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs may occur: salpingitis, endometritis and others. Adhesions appear, cicatricial changes in the urethral mucosa occur. Chlamydia leads to serious consequences: premature discharge of water and childbirth, diseases of the newborn: conjunctivitis, otitis media, atypical pneumonia and other diseases of the internal organs. The infection can cause miscarriage or fetal death.
Causes of the disease
The causes of infection depend on contact with the microorganism. Each strain has its own effect on the body. main reason chronic chlamydia is ignoring the symptoms of the acute form of the disease. Chlamydia pathogens penetrate the cells of soft tissues. There are several routes of infection. The main is unprotected vaginal, anal, oral sexual contact. The risk of infection is 60%.
A newborn becomes infected with chlamydia from the mother, passing through the birth canal. This provokes future complications. The disease can be obtained by wearing common underwear, using some hygiene products. This type of infection is called contact-household. There is a risk of infection from a patient with pneumonia by airborne droplets.
Treatment
Only doctors can determine the method of treating chlamydia in a chronic form, based on the results of blood tests, urine and immune enzymes, immunograms, liver tests, bakposeva, polymerase chain reaction. To cure the disease, both partners need to see a doctor. The main drugs are antimicrobial, because they eliminate chlamydial invasion. During the period of therapy in the active use of 2 types of antibiotics.
In the treatment, mixtures based on animal and plant enzymes are used. This method is called enzyme therapy, it increases the concentration of drugs in the focus of infection. There is a stimulation of the liver, kidneys, recovery is enhanced, intoxication is reduced. The use of small doses of antioxidants, vitamins occupies an important place in the treatment of chlamydia due to the effective strengthening of immunity.
Hepatoprotectors are prescribed when antibiotics are used to maintain a healthy liver with toxic effects. They reduce inflammation, correct immunity. Probiotics increase the protective function of the intestine during treatment for diarrhea, dysbacteriosis. Immune drugs prevent the appearance of germs. Getting antibiotics alone to achieve a result in the treatment of the disease will not work.
Treatment in women
There are no ready-made methods with algorithms for the treatment of chlamydia in women, because everything depends on the form and condition of the disease, the diseases present. The main therapy is a combination of antibiotics with immunomodulators. Avoid sexual intercourse or use a condom during treatment. Avoid alcohol and stimulants that lower the immune system.
Treatment regimen
Exist different schemes treatment of chlamydia in women, which depend on many factors. The duration of the course, frequency and type of medication are prescribed. In chronic chlamydia, basic treatment and recovery are prescribed. If an inflammatory process has begun in the genitals, use the following scheme: you need to start with antibiotics, immune agents, vitamins, antioxidants, and after a week, add antifungal and enzyme preparations. With such and other complications during the disease, contact your doctor for an individual scheme.
Azithromycin
Modern medicine has developed many drugs, but Azithromycin proved to be an order of magnitude better than the rest. It acts quickly on chlamydia, excluding possible complications due to deep penetration into infected cells. It accumulates, effectively destroying the pathogen, and microorganisms do not develop immunity to the drug.
Treatment in men
In order for the treatment of chlamydia in men to be effective, you need to see a doctor. Single and short courses of treatment will not help in therapy. Even with right choice the drug itself to draw up a treatment regimen will not work. The technique is determined depending on the analyzes obtained, which are carried out only in medical institutions.
Treatment regimen
You can choose a treatment regimen for the chronic form of chlamydia in men based on the symptoms and clinical picture. Any scheme includes the use of antibacterial drugs, drugs that stimulate the immune system, probiotics and hepatoprotectors for recovery. In parallel, men attend physiotherapy, use folk remedies: infusions with decoctions.
Can chlamydia be permanently cured?
The question of whether chlamydia can be cured forever appears in everyone who has been diagnosed with the disease. There is an opinion that chlamydia is not treated, so many do not begin to fight the infection. There is no risk of death, but discomfort and complications will not keep you waiting. With the rapid detection of the disease and the choice correct scheme treatment after a month you will feel better.
