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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 infection is believed to be twice as common as gonorrhea. Each year, some 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.
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
Sometimes no symptoms during early stages in both men and women. As many as 10 percent of the men and 70 percent of the women who have chlamydia experience no symptoms at all.
In postpubertal women, it can cause an off-white vaginal discharge and odor which comes from the infected cervix.
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 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).
In males, prostitis and inflammation of the seminal vesicles may be caused by chlamydia. Symptoms of prostitis include pain when urinating and a watery mucous urethral discharge.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
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.
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.
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 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
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. Arjun (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. Barberry Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz., Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis canadensis) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz., 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. Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium) Express Liquid Extract, 2 fl. oz.
Scutellaria 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. Blue Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Standardized, Nature's Way, 100 mg, 60 Vcaps, 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. Echinacea Purpurea, Nature's Way, 400 mg, 100 Caps, Echinacea Tincture (Children), Orange Flavor, Alcohol Free, 100% Organic, 1 fl. oz., Echinacea Immune Support Tea, Yogi Tea, Certified Organic, 16 Tea Bags, Pau D'Arco (Purple Lapacho) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz., Pau D'Arco Tea, Incan Purple Lapacho, 48 Tea Bags, Pau D'Arco Extract, Incan Lapacho, 100% Natural Herbal, 4 fl. oz., Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Herb Powder, 4 oz. Bulk, Red Clover Blossom & Herb, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 100 Caps, 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.
Note: Bulk herbs are available through Mountain Rose Herbs. See link below.
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR 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.
