Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Its causative agent is chlamydia, which are often found in the genitourinary organs.
It is imperative to know exactly which symptoms are characteristic of this disease so that it can be recognized in a timely manner and treated. During therapy, periodic monitoring of the patient's condition is required.
Causes of occurrence
Chlamydia infection occurs mainly through sexual contact. Women are more susceptible to the causative agent of infection. It is worth noting that even with oral sexual contact with an infected person, a condom must be worn.
A child may become infected during childbirth from a sick mother. In addition, in some cases infection by contact is not excluded.
Main symptoms
Symptoms and treatment of chlamydia in women largely depend on the particular course of the disease. The insidiousness of the chlamydia bacteria lies in the fact that in women this disease can occur without obvious manifestations. In some cases, signs such as the presence of mucous or mucopurulent vaginal discharge may occur. They have an unpleasant odor and yellow color.
In addition, infection can be accompanied by mild pain, itching, burning, and bleeding between menstruation. However, all these signs indicate the presence of chlamydia only indirectly, since many diseases can have exactly the same symptoms.
In men, chlamydia is either asymptomatic, or a mild inflammatory process of the urethra can be observed. During urination, itching and burning, discharge may be felt, especially in the morning. The lower back, scrotum, testicles can be sick. During intoxication, the temperature can rise to 37 degrees, the urine becomes cloudy, during ejaculation and urination, bloody discharge can be observed. If all these signs occur, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Diagnostics
Chlamydia is a parasitic intracellular microorganism, so it is quite difficult to determine it using conventional tests. Scraping is done in patients to determine chlamydia, although in some cases special non-invasive tests, such as urine, blood, and sperm tests, are indicated. Among the main diagnostic methods, it is necessary to highlight the following:
- mini test;
- immunofluorescence reaction;
- general smear;
- linked immunosorbent assay.
A mini test is a simple and cheap option. You can buy it at the pharmacy and make it yourself. Its minus is that the accuracy of such a test is not too high. The enzyme immunoassay method allows you to determine the presence of antibodies that have appeared in the body in response to infection with chlamydia. The greatest reliability can be obtained when conducting a PCR test.
To determine the presence of chlamydia and their sensitivity to antibiotics, a culture method is prescribed. This is the longest and most expensive analysis. However, it allows you to choose the most effective antibacterial drug.
The main methods of treatment
Chlamydia treatment methods are selected individually and for this purpose various antibacterial drugs are used that are able to penetrate the cell membrane. In addition, immunomodulators are used that increase the protective functions of the body itself. In the fight against chlamydia apply:
- hepatoprotectors;
- enzyme medications;
- proteolytic agents;
- adeptogens;
- probiotics;
- vitamins.
An important role in therapy is played by local methods of treatment. They mean the introduction of drugs directly into the urethra. To do this, apply:
- baths;
- rectal suppositories;
- special vaginal suppositories;
- enemas;
- suppositories;
- tampons.
As physiotherapeutic techniques are widely used:
- infrared cure;
- a magnetic field;
- quantum therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- iontophoresis from drugs;
- ultrasound;
- currents of variable frequency.
The effectiveness of the therapy largely depends on the method of administration of the drugs into the body. The most priority method of drug administration is intramuscular or intravenous injection, as they provide good bioavailability of drugs. In addition , it allows active substances to be distributed very quickly in cells.
For topical treatment, compresses, suppositories, ointments, as well as many other types of medications, are used as adjunctive therapy. The drugs for treating chlamydia in men are exactly the same as in women.
Early treatment
To conduct effective therapy in the early stages of the disease, you need to influence the causative agent of the disease. In the primary acute process, good results were shown by the treatment of chlamydia with Azithromycin, Josamycin, Clarithromycin, and Midecamycin. In addition, the doctor may prescribe drugs from the tetracycline group, in particular, such as Doxycycline. However, it is worth remembering that treatment with tetracyclines has a number of limitations, which is why doctors mainly prescribe macrolides.
A particularly good result can be obtained in the treatment of chlamydia with Azithromycin, since this drug has many advantages, in particular:
- convenient treatment regimen;
- the effect of the drug lasts for 10 days;
- the active substance is stored for a long time in the affected tissues;
- minimum side effects;
- antibiotic affects intracellular pathogens of infection.
If you need to carry out effective treatment of chlamydia, the drug "Azithromycin" is the best solution. This antibiotic fully meets all the requirements of therapy.
Chronic treatment
In the chronic form of chlamydia, the treatment period is much longer and the disease is dangerous because relapses can occur very often. Doctors mainly prescribe antibacterial drugs from the group of macrolidolv and tetracyclines. The most effective treatment regimen will be:
- continuous treatment of chlamydia with Doxycycline;
- pulse therapy method;
- reception "Azithromycin.
In addition, anti-candida drugs, immunomodulators and eubiotics are prescribed as part of the treatment.
Antibiotic therapy
Depending on the symptoms of chlamydia in women, the treatment is prescribed strictly individually and for this, various types of medications are used. Similarly, for men, the use of etiotropic therapy using specialized antibacterial agents is indicated. Antibiotics of such groups as are used to treat chlamydia:
- macrolides;
- tetracyclines;
- fluoroquinolones.
With an uncomplicated form of chlamydial infection, it is recommended that 1-2 weeks of tetracycline drugs be given. The most preferred for this treatment is Doxycycline, which must be taken only 2 times and its single dosage is 100 mg. This medicine quickly and effectively affects chlamydia.
Doctors often prescribe macrolides, since drugs in this group help effectively cope with chlamydial bacteria. A good result can be obtained with the treatment of chlamydia with erythromycin. It has a very high activity, but it is quite difficult to tolerate by the body and can provoke various dyspeptic disorders. The course of taking the drug is 10 days.
The drug "Spiomycin" has a good effect on pathogens. This drug accumulates right in the focus of inflammation. It is worth noting that it is the safest antibiotic. He is prescribed a course for 10 days 3 times a day.
The drug "Roxithromycin" has a high degree of activity against chlamydia. The maximum concentration of the drug occurs 2 hours after taking it. It has few side effects and is slowly excreted from the tissues. He is prescribed a course for 10 days 2 times a day.
The drug "Clarithromycin" quickly and effectively acts on chlamydia and is stable in the acidic environment of the stomach. This medicine may be used regardless of food intake. The half-life is approximately 4 hours. In the chronic form of the disease, intravenous administration of the drug is required.
Treatment of chlamydia with "Vilprafen" shows a very good result and helps to quickly deal with bacteria. The dosage of the drug is 500 mg, and the course of therapy is 10 days.
Fluoroquinolones have a good bactericidal effect on chlamydia. The course of therapy is selected purely individually for each patient. Fluoroquinols include drugs such as Lomefloxacin, Ofloxacin, Pefloxacin. Patients with chlamydia should remember that the improper and uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs not only does not eliminate the disease, but also provokes an even greater pathogen resistance to the drug.
Assistive therapy
In order to conduct the best treatment for chlamydia, in addition to antibacterial drugs, other medications may be prescribed. They help to maintain and restore the work of internal organs. For the treatment, such drugs are prescribed as:
- multivitamin complexes (Vitrum, Supradin);
- immunostimulating drugs ("Imunal", "Interferon", "Timalin");
- antifungal agents (Nystatin, Fluconazole).
A good result can be obtained during the treatment of chlamydia "Trichopolum", as this tool helps to quickly and effectively get rid of bacteria and normalize well-being. After the main therapy, the use of antioxidants will be required. They help eliminate the complications provoked by chlamydia and eliminate inflammation. For this, vitamin E and ascorbic acid may be prescribed.
To restore the microflora and intestinal motility, prebiotics are prescribed, in particular, such as Acipol, Linex, Bifiform. This will prevent the recurrence of the disease. Also included in the course of therapy are hepatoprotectors, which help protect the liver from the effects of the drugs used. For this, “Carsil”, “Essentiale”, “Legalon” are appointed. The doctor selects the treatment regimen individually after the examination.
Local funds
The course of treatment should also be supported by the appointment of local therapy. Treatment of chlamydia in pregnant women is carried out mainly with the use of rectal or vaginal suppositories, since many drugs are contraindicated during this period. In particular, among the most popular remedies for local use, candles are prescribed:
- Viferon;
- Terzhinan;
- Hexicon.
These drugs have an antibacterial and antiviral effect, eliminate swelling and inflammation, and also disinfect the mucous surface. Additionally, tampons with Dimexidum solution can be used. Throughout the course of therapy, it is imperative to refrain from sexual intercourse, even with the use of condoms.
Folk remedies
As auxiliary means, you can use recipes of traditional medicine. A decoction prepared on the basis of horsetail and birch leaves helps well. To do this, pour the crushed mixture of herbs with boiling water, leave to infuse for 30 minutes, and then take 50 ml. You can also prepare a decoction based on field horsetail and juniper. This herb has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
Parsley infusion has a good antibacterial effect. To prepare it, the stems of the plant will be required. To do this, they need to be finely chopped, poured into boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. Bactericidal and wound healing effects have tampons made from garlic or propolis.
During treatment, you must regularly visit a gynecologist, who, if necessary, will be able to make adjustments to the course of therapy to increase its effectiveness.
Treatment control and prognosis
Approximately 7-14 days after the active drug therapy, the doctor prescribes a second laboratory test, since if bacteria are found, a second treatment of chlamydia may be required. To analyze the success of therapy, the following criteria should be noted as criteria:
- negative test for chlamydia;
- lack of patient complaints;
- positive microflora control;
- lack of inflammatory processes in the analyzes.
If treatment was carried out in both sexual partners, then sexual contact is allowed only after their recovery. It is quite difficult to cure chlamydia, however, it is quite possible that the most important thing is to follow all the doctor’s recommendations.
Patient reviews for treatment
Reviews about the treatment of chlamydia with medications and folk remedies are rather mixed. Some say that a very good result can be obtained when conducting a course of therapy using drugs such as Sumamed, Nystatin, Kiprefon. Basically, all drugs are prescribed in tablet form, but in some cases, injections are used.
According to reviews of the treatment of chlamydia, a good result can be obtained only if all the recommendations of the doctor are strictly followed. Many patients say that in the case of primary infection, it is desirable to use the drug "Doxycycline" for treatment. Reviews about the treatment of chlamydia with tetracycline antibiotics are mostly good, because with the strict implementation of all the doctor's recommendations, you can achieve very good results and quickly get rid of the infection. In case of re-infection or the chronic course of the disease, a good result can be obtained with the use of the drug "Sumamed".
However, there are also negative reviews about the treatment of chlamydia with antibacterial agents. Some patients say that they do not bring the desired result, and also provoke the occurrence of side effects. They say that there is not a single antibiotic that would create a concentration harmful to chlamydia.
Consequences of the disease
The consequences of the course of chlamydia can be quite serious, which is why it is important to conduct a comprehensive treatment in a timely manner, which will help get rid of the disease and prevent dangerous consequences. In addition to painful sensations in the affected tissues and organs, men can also have long-term consequences, which include:
- infertility;
- chronic pelvic pain;
- erictile dysfunction.
This is a rather dangerous infection, since often it is almost asymptomatic, or disguised as urethritis or cystitis. Lack of timely treatment can provoke irreversible changes in reproductive function.
This disease is very dangerous for women, since many do not even suspect its presence, since in many cases it is almost asymptomatic. As the disease develops, chlamydia can affect many other body tissues, in particular, joints, heart, teeth, eyes. Women are characterized by the development of Reiter's syndrome, in which conjunctivitis, arthritis and vaginal inflammation are observed.
There is also a high risk of severe lesions of the urinary system, in particular, narrowing of the urethra, purulent cystitis, urethritis. The most dangerous disease for pregnant women. Infection can provoke a pregnancy disorder, including polyhydramnios, ectopic pregnancy, fetal freezing, miscarriage.
If the child is nevertheless born, then as a result of infection with chlamydia, he may develop inflammatory processes, for example, otitis media and conjunctivitis. Subsequently, the presence of pathogens can lead to problems with the cardiovascular system, as well as the intestines and stomach. For girls, infection with chlamydia threatens infertility in the future.
A serious complication is cervicitis, cervical erosion, endometriosis, which in the future can lead to infertility.
Prophylaxis
First of all, you need to observe safety during sexual intercourse and not to lead a hectic life, as well as use condoms.
Together with a regular partner, you need to undergo an examination to exclude the possibility of infection. It is especially important to be screened when planning a pregnancy.