Chlamydia Research Paper
Katarina Palmer
Dr. Miranda
BIOL 1406
29 March 2017
Chlamydia
Definition: Chlamydia (kla-mid-ee-uh) is a very common disease is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is contracted through sexual intercourse: anal, oral, vaginal. (NWHRC Health Center, 2005) This sexually transmitted disease affects both men and women of any age. Chlamydia trachomatis is a Gram-negative bacterium that infects not only the columnar epithelium of the cervix but the urethra, and rectum as well. Also a common bacterial cause of sexually transmitted infections. (Park et al., 2017)
Risk Factors:
Chlamydia trachomatis has shown a worldwide prevalence of 1%-6%. As any other major or common diseases know, Chlamydia has many risk factors. Age, race/ethnicity, …show more content…
(Navarro et al., 2002) There are multiple reasons as to why adolescents or young are adults are at greater risk to develop or contract an STD. The sexual behaviors of young adults are different as of those who are older. Adolescents or young adults may be unable to implement the act of using a condom correctly and effectively. They may also be unable to comfortably communicate with their sexual partner(s) effectively about sexuality and less likely to acknowledge the risks associated with their sexual behaviors. (Navarro et al., …show more content…
When left untreated in men, Chlamydia typically causes a urethral infection that may spread and result in infertility. (CDC, 2017) In women, the bacteria associated with Chlamydia often infect the cells that make up the cervix. This infection can eventually spread into the uterus and even the fallopian tubes. Women who are not treated for Chlamydia may result in retrieving Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection within the female reproductive system and organs, it is often spread through sexual contact. Untreated Chlamydia in males is also very problematic. Being left untreated, Chlamydia can eventually cause Epididymitis. (Boskey, 2016) Epididymitis is an infection of the tubes where sperm mature in the testicles. Men with this condition may experience shrinking of the infected testicle(s). They may also get abscesses, or pus-filled lesions, in their scrotum. As do women, when left untreated, men can become infertile. (Boskey, 2016)
Prognosis: Chlamydia has no long-term effect on an individual if the proper treatment is given by a primary care provider. If the disease is left untreated, Chlamydia can cause an individual many more problems. For example, women may experience severe abdominal and back pains when the disease travels to the fallopian tubes and uterus.
Dr. Miranda
BIOL 1406
29 March 2017
Chlamydia
Definition: Chlamydia (kla-mid-ee-uh) is a very common disease is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is contracted through sexual intercourse: anal, oral, vaginal. (NWHRC Health Center, 2005) This sexually transmitted disease affects both men and women of any age. Chlamydia trachomatis is a Gram-negative bacterium that infects not only the columnar epithelium of the cervix but the urethra, and rectum as well. Also a common bacterial cause of sexually transmitted infections. (Park et al., 2017)
Risk Factors:
Chlamydia trachomatis has shown a worldwide prevalence of 1%-6%. As any other major or common diseases know, Chlamydia has many risk factors. Age, race/ethnicity, …show more content…
(Navarro et al., 2002) There are multiple reasons as to why adolescents or young are adults are at greater risk to develop or contract an STD. The sexual behaviors of young adults are different as of those who are older. Adolescents or young adults may be unable to implement the act of using a condom correctly and effectively. They may also be unable to comfortably communicate with their sexual partner(s) effectively about sexuality and less likely to acknowledge the risks associated with their sexual behaviors. (Navarro et al., …show more content…
When left untreated in men, Chlamydia typically causes a urethral infection that may spread and result in infertility. (CDC, 2017) In women, the bacteria associated with Chlamydia often infect the cells that make up the cervix. This infection can eventually spread into the uterus and even the fallopian tubes. Women who are not treated for Chlamydia may result in retrieving Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection within the female reproductive system and organs, it is often spread through sexual contact. Untreated Chlamydia in males is also very problematic. Being left untreated, Chlamydia can eventually cause Epididymitis. (Boskey, 2016) Epididymitis is an infection of the tubes where sperm mature in the testicles. Men with this condition may experience shrinking of the infected testicle(s). They may also get abscesses, or pus-filled lesions, in their scrotum. As do women, when left untreated, men can become infertile. (Boskey, 2016)
Prognosis: Chlamydia has no long-term effect on an individual if the proper treatment is given by a primary care provider. If the disease is left untreated, Chlamydia can cause an individual many more problems. For example, women may experience severe abdominal and back pains when the disease travels to the fallopian tubes and uterus.