Course of the disease with a Chlamydia infection
The course of a Chlamydia infection depends first of all on the type of pathogen. In the case of urogenital infections, the course of the disease can often be painless, but it can still be just as contagious and harmful. If symptoms occur, there is often a burning sensation when urinating, purulent discharge from the urethra or testicular pain.
If the infection remains untreated, infertility may occur during the course of the disease. Therefore, an infection should definitely be treated. Conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia (trachoma), on the other hand, is characterised by reddened and itchy eyes from which a mucopurulent discharge can emerge.
This should not be underestimated either, as without treatment it can lead to corneal clouding and eventually blindness. Conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia (trachoma), on the other hand, is noticeable by reddened and itchy eyes from which a mucopurulent discharge can emerge. This should not be underestimated either, as without treatment it can lead to corneal clouding and eventually blindness.
How contagious is a Chlamydia infection?
Depending on the type of Chlamydia, there are different forms of transmission of an infection. The sexually transmitted form called Chlamydia trachomatis of the subgroups D-K and L1-L3 is transmitted through the mucous membrane during sex. There is therefore a very high risk of transmission whenever there is unprotected sexual contact with a sick person.
This also applies to oral sex. In the case of an already existing immune deficiency due to a further infection such as HIV or a tumour disease, the risk of transmission is increased additionally. Chlamydophila psittaci on the other hand is transmitted via bird droppings or the feather dust of birds. All persons with frequent contact to birds such as animal keepers or people with a weakened immune system are particularly at risk. Infection with Chlamydophila pneumoniae occurs via the air and depends on whether one is in the vicinity of a sick person.
Causes of Chlamydia infection in men
Infection with Chlamydia can be contracted through various transmission routes, depending on the pathogen. The pathogens Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia psittaci are transmitted through the air we breathe, i.e. by inhaling small infectious particles. This then leads to an infection of the respiratory tract such as pneumonia.
Chlamydia trachomatis, on the other hand, is mainly transmitted sexually during sexual intercourse and leads to infections in the urogenital area such as inflammation of the testicles (orchitis), epididymitis (epididimitis) or inflammation of the urethra. Unprotected sexual intercourse and frequently changing partners pose a high risk of transmission. In addition, the pathogen can also be absorbed through the oral mucosa and thus also be transmitted during oral sex.
In contrast, the subgroup A-C of Chlamydia trachomatis, which is noticeable in the eye and leads to conjunctivitis (trachoma), is transmitted by a fly. The subgroup D-K is transmitted oculogenitally (from the genital area to the eye) in addition to sexual transmission. This means that one can be infected by contaminated water in a swimming pool, for example.
