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DESCRIPTION
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexually transmitted chlamydia infection accounts for the bulk of the sexually transmitted disease (STD) epidemic in the United States. Sexually transmitted chlamydia trachomatis infection is believed to be twice as common as gonorrhea. This infection can be transmitted or contracted during anal, oral, or vaginal sex with an infected partner. Each year, some 3-4 million new cases are diagnosed and an estimated 50,000 women are rendered sterile by the disease. About 18 percent of American adolescents have had a chlamydia infection, and one recent study found that 50 percent of the women on one college campus had been infected. The group most affected is between the ages of 15 and 19, with 20 to 24 year old people coming in second.
Chlamydia are intracellular parasites that may have may of the same physical characteristics of viruses. They cause inflammation of the urethra (the tube that allows urine from the bladder to pass outside of the body), vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, anus, and ovaries. This is a common sexually transmitted disease. Chlamydia infection may also be transmitted to the eyes or lungs of a newborn infant. If Chlamydia are found by microscopic exam and culture of discharge in any person who is sexually active, all sexual partners must be treated.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
The symptoms appear within one to three weeks of contact with an infected partner. These symptoms can appear in both men and women. However, sometimes there are no symptoms during early stages in both men and women. As many as 10-50 percent of the men and 70-75 percent of the women who have chlamydia experience no symptoms at all, or symptoms so mild that they do not seek treatment. This is unfortunate, as untreated chlamydia infection in women leads to sterility in an estimated 30 percent of cases. Pelvic inflammatory disease and irreparable damage to the reproductive system can occur, and a hysterectomy may be required. See Complications for more information.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
In postpubertal women, it can cause an off-white vaginal discharge and odor which comes from the infected cervix.
Genital inflammation.
Pain when urinating and a watery mucous urethral discharge (males).
Painful Intercourse.
Anal swelling, pain or discharge.
Reddening of the vagina or tip of the penis (males).
Abdominal pain.
Fever.
Discomfort, difficulty and/or burning sensation / pain on urinating.
Genital discomfort, itching or pain around the inflamed area.
Groin pain and swelling (epididymitis).
CAUSES
Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria is spread by:
- Vaginal sexual intercourse.
- Rectal sexual intercourse.
- Oral-genital contact.
- Vaginal infection during delivery of a newborn, which may infect the baby.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Unprotected sexual activity, particularly in young females.
Diabetes mellitus.
General poor health, weakened immune system.
Hot weather, non-ventilating clothing (especially underwear), or any other condition that increases genital moisture, warmth, and darkness. These foster the growth of organisms.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Use of condoms during sexual activity.
Treatment of all sexual partners of any infected person (usually 2 weeks of an oral antibiotic such as tetracycline or erythromycin. NOTE: Tetracycline should not ever be used during pregnancy due to drug side effects on the fetus!).
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Complete cure with adequate antibiotic treatment.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Sterility in female. As many as 30 percent of women with untreated chlamydia infection experience sterility.
Infecting one's sexual partner.
Secondary bacterial infections in pelvic organs, genitals or rectum.
May complicate pregnancy.
Liver infection (perihepatitis).
Reiter's syndrome.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and irreparable damage to the reproductive system which may result in a hysterectomy.
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV).
Women who have been infected with chlamydia may have 3 to 5 times the risk of becoming infected with HIV if they are exposed to it.
In males, prostatitis and inflammation of the seminal vesicles may be caused by chlamydia. Symptoms of prostatitis include pain when urinating and a watery mucous urethral discharge. Men may also notice pain and swelling of the testicles.
Babies born to mothers with chlamydia may suffer pneumonia or conjunctivitis (an eye infection). Both of these ailments require treatment with antibiotics.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis of chlamydia infection is made on the basis of bacteriological examination of urine or vaginal or urethral discharge. There are also a number of tests available today that can supplement or even replace the traditional culture.
Diagnostic tests may include vaginal smear, rectal smear and urethral smear for laboratory analysis. There are currently three FDA-approved methods of testing for chlamydia: 1. Direct Fluorescent Antibody Test: In this method, a scientific method technique called staining makes chlamydia easier to detect under the microscope. A culture can be taken from the eye, cervix, or penis.
2. Enzyme Immunoassay: This test is very accurate and much less invasive than genital sampling.
3. Urine Sample: This test is very accurate and much less invasive than genital sampling.
LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS DURING TREATMENT
Keep the genital area clean. Use plain unscented soap.
Take showers rather than tub baths.
Wear cotton underpants or pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Avoid those made from non ventilating materials such as nylon.
Don't sit around in wet clothing, especially a wet bathing suit.
After urination or bowel movements, cleanse by wiping or washing from front to back (vagina to anus).
Lose weight if you are obese.
Avoid douches.
If you have diabetes, adhere strictly to your treatment program.
Avoid pants that are tight in the crotch and thighs.
Change tampons frequently.
If urinating causes burning, urinate through a tubular device, such as a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the bottom cut out, or pour a cup of warm water over the genital area while urinating.
FOLLOW-UP
A follow-up medical examination is necessary after completing the prescribed treatment.
Testing for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is recommended. If you are under 35 years and have more than one sexual partner, you should be tested for infection yearly.
Chlamydia has been linked to a form of arthritis in young women. In one study, the microorganism was found in the joints of nearly half those with unexplained arthritis.
MEDICATION
Both partners must be treated for this disorder so the disease is not transmitted back and forth. (Both sexes have similar discharges, and it is through this discharge that the disease is transmitted during sexual contact.)
Antibiotics such as tetracycline (or a fetal-safe alternative if you are pregnant) and doxycycline (Doryx, Vibramycin, and others) kill chlamydia. These should be taken for 2 weeks or until your health care provider says to discontinue the treatment. A number of antibiotics in the Erythromycin family will kill and cure chlamydial infections.
Alternatively, a single 1-gram oral dose of azithromycin (Zithromax) may be used. This is relatively expensive (a single dose costs as much as a one-week regimen of doxycycline), but the convenience of single-dose treatment may be worth it.
ACTIVITY
Avoid overexertion, heat and excessive sweating.
Delay sexual relations until treatment is completed and symptoms are gone.
DIET
Eat a diet consisting mainly of fresh vegetables and fruits, plus brown rice, raw seeds and nuts, turkey, white fish, and whole grains.
Avoid highly processed, fried, and junk foods, as well as chicken. Approximately one third of all chickens sold in this country contain pathogenic bacteria such as salmonella. Turkey is acceptable; such bacteria are not found in turkey.
Drink only steam-distilled or quality bottled spring water, sugar-free juices, and herbal teas.
Take acidophilus (or eat fresh homemade yogurt with active cultures) to replenish the "friendly" bacteria destroyed by antibiotics.
MoonDragon's Nutrition Information - Recipes: Homemade Yogurt
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
The following nutrients are important for healing once appropriate local treatment has been administered. Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for those over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years old, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended amount. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended amount.
HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
HERBS
Andiroba & Copaiba Oil: Apply to irritated area as needed. Relieves vaginal and rectal inflammation.
Arjuna: Capsules - Take 500 mg every 8 hours. Contains luteolin, which kills gonorrhea and chlamydia bacteria.
Herbal Remedies: Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), 485 mg, 120 VCaps
Astragalus: Tincture - Use as directed on label. Helps to protect the immune system. and aids in healing.
Astragalus Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Barberry, Coptis, Goldenseal or Oregon Grape Root: Tincture - Take 15-30 drops in 1/4 cup water 3 times daily. Contains berberine, which kills gonorrhea and chlamydia bacteria.
Do not use barberry, coptis, goldenseal or Oregon grape root if you are pregnant or have gallbladder disease. Do not take these herbs with supplemental vitamin B-6 or with protein supplements containing the amino acid histidine. Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, and DO NOT USE IT DURING PREGNANCY. Use it only under a health care provider's supervision. Do not use goldenseal if you have cardiovascular disease or glaucoma.
Herbal Remedies: Barberry Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis canadensis) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Oregon Grape Root (Wild) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Epimedium: Tablets or Extract - Take as directed on the label or by dispensing herbalist. Use after suspected exposure. Antibacterial. Stimulates urination to keep bacteria from attaching to lining of urethra.
Do not use epimedium if you have any kind of prostate disorder.
Herbal Remedies: Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) Express Liquid Extract, 2 fl. oz.
Scutellaria (Skullcap): Capsules - Take 1,000-2,000 mg 3 times daily. May act against antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea and chlamydia. Do not use scutellaria if you have diarrhea.
Herbal Remedies: Blue Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Standardized, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 60 VCaps
Herbal Remedies: Scullcap Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Echinacea, Pau d'arco and Red Clover aid in healing. Take in capsule, tincture or extract form or drink as tea. Take as directed on label.
Herbal Remedies: Echinacea Purpurea, Nature's Way, 400 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Echinacea Tincture (Children), Orange Flavor, Alcohol Free, 100% Organic, 1 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Echinacea Immune Support Tea, Yogi Tea, Certified Organic, 16 Tea Bags
Herbal Remedies: Pau D'Arco (Purple Lapacho) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Pau D'Arco Tea, Incan Purple Lapacho, 48 Tea Bags
Herbal Remedies: Pau D'Arco Extract, Incan Lapacho, 100% Natural Herbal, 4 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) Herb Powder, 4 oz. Bulk
Herbal Remedies: Red Clover Blossom & Herb, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Red Clover Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) FORMULAS
Dong Quai, Gentiana Longdancao, and Aloe Pill: A traditional Chinese herbal formula that treats gonorrhea and chlamydia with accompanying herpes infection. Do not use these herbs if you are trying to become pregnant.
Eight-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia (Rehmannia-Eight Combination): A traditional Chinese herbal formula that increases urination, effectively flushing bacteria out of the genitourinary tract before they can cause damage. Use after suspected exposure.
Peony and Licorice Decoction: A traditional Chinese herbal formula that treats gonorrhea and chlamydia complicated by cramping and abdominal pain or pain around the anus. Do not use Peony and Licorice Decoction if you have an estrogen-sensitive disease, such as breast cancer, endometriosis, or fibrocystic breasts.
CHLAMYDIA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Information, supplements and products for Chlamydia, a bacterial infection of the urethra in men and the urethra, cervix and/or reproductive organs in women.
Alive! Whole Food Energizer Multi-Vitamin & Mineral With Naturally Occurring Iron (No Iron Added), Nature's Way, 90 Tabs
No other supplement contains more life-giving nutrients than Nature's Way Alive Multi-Vitamin. Alive Multi-Vitamin is better absorbed into your blood stream because its tablets disintegrate up to 5X faster than other leading brands.Astragalus Immunity Herbal Tea, 20 Tea Bags
Help maintain normal functions of the liver, lung, kidney, stomach and heart, to boost energy, defer aging, detoxify, etc. To bolster white blood cells growth, support the immune systems, and to promote the effect of other herbs, and help reduce side effect of chemotherapy and radiation.Astragalus Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz.
Astragalus root is used to stimulate the immune system and Astragalus root improves adrenal gland function and digestion.Buffered Vitamin C-500 Ascorbate, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 250 Caps
Nature's Way Buffered Vitamin C is less irritating to the stomach. Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems. White blood cells (neutrophils) utilize Vitamin C to help produce cytotoxic enzymes which they use to eliminate foreign matter.CoQ10, All Natural, Hypoallergenic, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 30 Softgels
Nature's Way Coenzyme Q10, coQ10 Supplement, supports cellular energy production. CoQ10 is a necessary cofactor for normal heart function.Echinacea, Astragalus & Reishi, Immune Support Supplement, Nature's Way, 400 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Echinacea Astragalus and Reishi is an Immune Support Supplement that helps support your immune system naturally.Echinacea With Goldenseal Root, Nature's Way, 450 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Echinacea with Goldenseal Root supports the immune system.Garlic Bulb Cloves, Garlic Supplement, Nature's Way, 580 mg, 100 Caps
Nature's Way Garlic Bulb Cloves, a garlic supplement, is carefully screened for consistency, purity and quality.Gland Formula Liquid, 16 fl. oz.
This gland formula is used to aide in digestion, help to eliminate toxins and dissolve stones in the gall bladder.Kelp Seaweed (Norwegian) Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Du to overwhelming research results, Kelp has become an effective treatment for hyperthyroidism.Silva Solution Colloidal Silver & Zinc Lozenges, 90 Lozenges
Now you can get powerful liquid silver in the most convenient form ever with new Silva Solution Silver and Zinc Lozenges.Vitamin B-100 Complex With Coenzyme B-2, Nature's Way, 631 mg, 100 Caps
A complete Vitamin B complex of 8 essential vitamins. B Vitamins are precursors of coenzymes involved in the conversion of cellular energy, manufacture of hormones and proteins, and repair and maintenance of nerve structures.Vitamin E, Natural D-Alpha-Tocopherol, 400 IU, 100 Softgels
Vitamin E has potent antioxidant activity, supplies oxygen to the blood, aids in strengthening capillary walls, and plays a beneficial role in cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention, anti-aging benefits, circulation, wound-healing, immune function, nervous system function, PMS, hot flushes, diabetes, vascular disease, eye health, tissue repair, athletic performance, leg cramps, skin and hair health, and alleviating fatigue.
Herbal Remedies: Chlamydia Information
Herbal Remedies: Chlamydia Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Venereal Disease Supplements & Products
NOTIFY YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member has symptoms of Chlamydia infection.
Symptoms persist longer than 1 week or worsen despite treatment.
Unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling develops.
If you have symptoms of chlamydia infection, do not delay seeking treatment. The danger of complications increases as time passes.
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HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
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The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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