We all know how dangerous sexually transmitted infections are. They are not only long and difficult to treat, but also entail a number of negative consequences.
One of the most common STDs is chlamydia. They infect more than one hundred million people every year. Now we will talk about signs of chlamydia in women, as well as what should be done if this STD was found in the body.
What is a disease?
Before moving on to considering the signs of chlamydia in women, it is worth talking about the disease.
So, its parasites, known as chlamydia, cause it. They are introduced into the cells of the body, begin to feed on its contents and multiply. Gradually, there are more and more of them, and if their presence is not detected in time, then they will cause the girl whole spectra of organ lesions.
Unlike other organisms, chlamydia damages both the external and internal genital organs. In addition, they extend to the cardiovascular system, respiratory tract, organs of hearing and vision, teeth, synovial lining of joints, etc.
In simpler terms, chlamydia destroys the body. Which is not surprising, because they have toxic and hemagglutinating activity. That is why it is important to contact a venereologist, noticing suspicious symptoms, and not hoping that it “goes away”.
Main symptoms
At first, the signs of chlamydia in a woman do not manifest themselves. Although it all depends on the individual characteristics of the body - sometimes girls begin to complain about certain discomfort several days after infection.
But in general, the following symptoms include the first signs of chlamydia in women (photos of symptoms are not for the impressionable):
- Discomfort and pain during urination.
- Burning on the surface of the genitals.
- Itching in the urethra.
- Unpleasant vaginal discharge, reminiscent of a mixture of mucus and pus. On examination, they appear after pressing on the affected area.
- Pain and heaviness in the lower back.
- Defect in the form of erosion in the cervix.
- Pain in the lower abdomen of a pulling character.
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Conjunctivitis, developing as a result of eye involvement in the pathological process.
- Increased body temperature and weakness.
The signs of chlamydia in a woman are quite specific, so determining it is not difficult. Be sure to visit a doctor if at least one or two symptoms occur, if there has recently been unprotected sexual intercourse of any nature (vaginal, oral or anal).
Colpit
This is not only a sign and symptom of chlamydia in women, but also its consequence. Since colpitis (aka vaginitis) occurs precisely because of this disease.
This pathology of the female genital organs is most common. Its characteristic manifestations are:
- Burning and itching in the vagina.
- Hyperemia of the mucous membrane, manifested in the overflow of blood vessels.
- Soreness felt during intercourse.
- Erosion in certain cases.
- Profuse discharge of a cheesy or purulent nature, often with a bad smell.
Over time, the manifestations subside, but under the influence of provoking factors intensify again. After sex, for example, hypothermia, colds, overwork, wearing synthetic underwear.
If colpitis is ignored, the pathology will take on a chronic form, as a result of which the inflammation will spread along the ascending paths and affect the fallopian tubes, uterus and urethra. This can lead to cervicitis, endometritis, cystitis, and even infertility.
Cervicitis
Continuing to discuss the topic regarding the signs of chlamydia in women (the photo above shows the microorganisms provoking its occurrence), it is important to talk about cervicitis.
This is an inflammatory process that occurs in the vaginal segment of the cervix. Another symptom is the consequence of chlamydia. It manifests itself in the following:
- Profuse purulent or mucous discharge.
- Dull pain in the lower abdomen.
- Hyperemia of the external opening of the cervical canal.
- Severe swelling.
- Slight ulceration and hemorrhage.
- Protrusion of the mucosa.
Cervicitis occurs in many STDs. But only if in other cases (with gonorrhea, for example) it is acute, then with chlamydia it is not so noticeable.
If you run it, then the discharge will become more cloudy, the cylindrical epithelium will begin to grow in the vaginal area of the uterus. Inflammation often spreads to neighboring glands and tissues, forming a cyst, infiltrates and seals.
Salpingoophoritis
This sign of chlamydia infection in women is very serious. After all, salpingoophoritis is an inflammatory disease of the uterine appendages, including adjacent fiber, the fallopian tube and ovaries.
It is important to make a reservation that this pathology arises not because of a single pathogen, but because of a whole microbial association, which includes both absolute and conditional pathogens.
Acute salpingo-oophoritis is always accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen. But the intensity can be different, it all depends on the individual characteristics of the girl. Often pain gives to the rectum and sacrum. Other manifestations include:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Bloating, constipation, stool retention.
- Problems with urination.
- Elevated temperature (may exceed 39 degrees).
- Painful sensations that occur when you press the stomach.
- An increase in appendages.
It is important to make a reservation that discharge from salpingo-oophoritis is not seen in all infected. And this pathology, like the ones listed above, has several forms of flow. Symptoms may vary depending on this factor.
Diagnostics
Only she can confirm the symptoms and signs of chlamydia in women. However, diagnosing this disease is not so simple.
All due to the fact that chlamydia is an intracellular microorganism. What does it mean? Chlamydia lives inside the cell and does not manifest itself in any way, although infection has already occurred. But when favorable conditions come for her in the body, she leaves her and causes an inflammatory process.
Independent attempts at treatment can lead to a chronic process, which is why the disease "gets stronger" and takes on a stable form.
However, it is worth returning to the topic regarding diagnosis. Nowadays, the following methods are used:
- A smear from the cervix, from the walls of the vagina and from the external opening of the urethra. The sensitivity of this method varies from 15 to 30%.
- Express test. You can buy in a pharmacy and check at home. But the sensitivity of such tests is only 20-50%.
- Immune fluorescence reaction. Extremely complex and time-consuming method, requiring a special approach and the availability of special equipment. A smear is taken and stained with fluorescent substances that help detect chlamydia. The sensitivity of the method reaches 70%.
- Bacteriological seeding. The longest, most laborious, but also reliable method that never gives false results. Bacteria from the smear are sown on a special nutrient medium where only chlamydia can grow. They are given several days in an incubator, and if the girl is infected, then microorganisms will grow in the form of special colonies.
- Serological method. Special antibodies bind to chlamydia and identify them. The method is not particularly sensitive, but it is used as a screening test as part of a quick and comprehensive examination.
- Linked immunosorbent assay. It allows you to identify not chlamydia, but antibodies that are available to it. Sensitivity is 60%. Also, the method helps to determine the presence of infection only 20-30 days after infection.
- Ligase chain reaction. The most sensitive method is 95-100%. A girl just needs to pass urine for analysis. However, this method is practiced by no means in all clinics, since a specially equipped laboratory and highly qualified personnel are needed.
As you can see, the diagnosis takes a lot of time anyway. Therefore, you must immediately go to the venereologist at the first sign of chlamydia. In a woman, their manifestation will gradually increase, and if you tighten it, then waiting for the results, which will be several days at least, will be painful.
Solution
Having examined the nature of the discharge, signs of chlamydia in women and photos of microorganisms that cause the disease, we can proceed to the study of the topic of treatment.
The main goal of therapy is to destroy chlamydia and in the subsequent elimination of all of the above side effects.
There are no universal drugs that can help get rid of the signs of chlamydia in a woman, whose photos are terrifying. Basically, venereologists prescribe antibiotics to their patients. This happens after studying the tests and diagnostic results, taking into account the form of the disease and the presence of concomitant infections.
The course of treatment lasts at least six life cycles of chlamydia. It usually lasts from two to three days. So the therapy takes 12-18 days.
Here, in accordance with what principles, medicines are selected for the treatment of the first signs and symptoms of chlamydia in women:
- Antibiotics should be highly active against the pathogen.
- It is important that the medication creates the desired concentration, being inside the body.
- The drug should freely enter the intracellular space.
- It is necessary to choose an antibiotic with low toxicity.
The medicine is selected taking into account the moment when the infection supposedly occurred. Since the one that is less than two months old is “fresh”. More "older" infection is classified as chronic. Of course, diseases of different forms are treated with completely opposite drugs.
List of effective medicines
Once again, it is worth mentioning that when a woman identifies signs of chlamydia, treatment is prescribed by a doctor. By prescribing antibiotics for yourself, you can harm your health. But as a rule, doctors prescribe the following drugs:
- Erythromycin. Antibiotic of the macrolide group, which has a bacteriostatic effect. It is drunk either 0.25 grams four times a day, or 0.5 twice. Women with a severe form of the disease can be prescribed 4 doses of 0.5 g each. The course lasts 10 or 14 days.
- "Medicamycin". An antibacterial drug similar to the previous one. Take 400 mg three times a day for two weeks.
- "Wilprafen." An antibiotic whose action is based on the inhibition of protein synthesis by bacteria. They drink for one week, daily consuming three servings of 2.16 g with an interval of 8 hours.
- Clarbact. It has a wide spectrum of antimicrobial action. It should be taken for 2 weeks, drinking 0.25 grams of the drug twice a day daily.
- "Azithromycin". It acts bacteriostatically. Every day you need to take 0.5 grams for 10 days. Usually prescribed for pregnant women.
- Roxithromycin. Semi-synthetic antibiotic with a wide spectrum of activity. The treatment cycle is from 8 to 22 days, they drink twice a day for 0.15 g. Recommended for pregnant women.
- Tetracycline. These tablets are drunk for 2 weeks, taking 2 grams daily, dividing them into 4 drinks (required after meals).
- Doxycycline. Drink for two weeks twice a day at 100 mg. Analogs are such drugs as Vibra-Tabs, Vibramycin and Dorix.
- Ofloxacin. 300 mg antimicrobial fluoroquinolone, taken during the week twice a day.
- "Lomefloxacin". These tablets are drunk once a day for 0.4 grams for 10 days.
- Norfloxacin. Drink twice a day at 0.4 grams for a week. If the disease is severe, then the treatment is extended to 10 days.
- Ciprinol. Treatment with this drug lasts a week. Take twice a day for 0.5 g.
As you can see, to eliminate the signs and symptoms of chlamydia in women (photos of bacteria are presented above) there are many drugs. And this is not their entire list. There are a lot of medications, and if the doctor makes the right course, then the disease can be cured quickly and effectively.
Physiotherapy
In continuation of the topic regarding the symptoms and the first signs of chlamydia in women, whose infection photo makes you think about the need for protection, it is important to talk about procedures that help to cope with this disease.
There are those that are most prevalent. They eliminate painful symptoms and significantly increase the body's resistance.
Ultrasonic irradiation can accelerate the process of tissue regeneration, relieve inflammation and improve immunity. Magnetotherapy helps to remove swelling and pain. And electrophoresis improves metabolism and has several effects at once - vasodilating, analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
However, again, the doctor prescribes the direction for certain procedures. Here, just like in the case of medicines, there are a number of contraindications that must be taken into account.
Folk remedies
Of course, such a serious disease is difficult to cure without the use of antibiotics, and it will take much more time, but many girls decide on this. And here are some folk remedies that help eliminate the first signs and symptoms of chlamydia in women:
- One teaspoon of crushed elsgolium, which has bactericidal properties, must be poured with boiling water (320 ml) and let it brew for an hour. Then filter out. Drink one sip before bedtime for fourteen days.
- Pour finely chopped stems of parsley (3 tbsp.) Into a saucepan and pour boiling water (0.5 l). Send to boil for 6-7 minutes. Then let it brew for fifteen minutes and strain. Drink 2 teaspoons three times a day for two weeks. This tool improves blood flow in the tissues, and also has an antibacterial effect.
- Mix 20 grams of incense, wheatgrass and calamus root. Add pink radiola and aralia rhizomes (10 g each), licorice and elecampane root (30 g) and red mountain ash fruits (40 g). Grind everything together and put into a 1 liter thermos. Pour boiling water, close and leave to insist overnight. The next day, strain and drink during the day between meals. The course lasts two weeks.
- In equal proportions, mix dry walnut leaves, yarrow, cherry fruits, wormwood seeds and St. John's wort. Then take 2.5 tablespoons of the resulting collection, pour water (0.5 l) and send to a small fire for 25 minutes. Cool, filter. Drink for 3-4 weeks daily, four to five times, on an empty stomach.
- In equal proportions, mix the crushed St. John's wort and the hemophilus. Store in a sealed container. Every day, brew tea for several times from the resulting collection (put 1 tsp in a mug).
These funds can be used not only for treatment, but also for prevention.