Chlamydia in the Philippines: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment 

An Overview of Chlamydia 

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, and/or oral sex. Its symptoms are different for men and women.  

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is another type of STI caused by a specific strain of C. trachomatis. Despite it being caused by the same bacteria, it presents differently as a painless ulcer. LGV is said to occur commonly in Southeast Asia, but the total number of those with LGV in the Philippines is unknown.  

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems among women, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.   

Chlamydia can be easily diagnosed with a simple test, and it is treatable with antibiotics. 

Prevention methods include practicing safe sex, getting regular STI testing, and discussing sexual health with sexual partners. 

What are the most common STIs in the Philippines? 

The most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the Philippines, according to the most recent report by the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS),1 in no definite order, are: 

1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) 
2. Syphilis 
3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): the virus that causes genital warts and some types of cancer 
4. Herpes 
5. Chlamydia 
6. Gonorrhea 
7. Trichomoniasis 

How common is chalmydia in the Philippines? 

The number of patients with chlamydia in the Philippines is unknown, but studies done in certain hospitals and social hygiene clinics have demonstrated that at least 17% of male and female sex workers are positive for chlamydia without symptoms,² and as many as 33% of newly diagnosed HIV patients have undiagnosed chlamydia.³ 

How is chlamydia transmitted? 

Chlamydia is primarily spread through unprotected contact with the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth of a partner infected with the bacteria. Ejaculation does not have to occur to transmit the bacteria.  

What are the signs and symptoms of chlamydia? 

Chlamydia infection in its early stages is typically asymptomatic. In other words, many people with chlamydia may not experience any symptoms; even if symptoms are present, they are usually mild and easy to miss. 

Symptoms of Chlamydia in men may include: 

• Painful urination (burning sensation while urinating) 
• Abnormal discharge from the penis 
• Pain or swelling in the testicles 
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (if the infection is acquired through anal sex) 

Symptoms of chlamydia in women may include: 

• Painful urination (burning sensation while urinating) 
• Abnormal vaginal discharge, which may be thin or thick and have a different colour or smell than usual 
• Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex 
• Abdominal or pelvic pain, which may be mild or severe 
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (if the infection is acquired through anal sex) 

Infants who acquire chlamydia during delivery may exhibit symptoms such as eye infections and, in some cases, pneumonia. 

Chlamydial conjunctivitis (Chlamydia in Your Eye) 

Chlamydia can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye) and other eye infections. The bacteria that cause chlamydia can be spread through sexual contact, hand-to-eye contact, or contaminated towels or washcloths. 

Symptoms of chlamydia in the eye may include: 

• Redness and swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids) 
• Watery discharge from the eye 
• Sensitivity to light 
• Blurred vision 
• Itching or burning sensations in the eye 

If you suspect a chlamydia infection in your eye, seek medical attention immediately. Treatment for chlamydia conjunctivitis typically involves a course of antibiotics, either in the form of eye drops or oral medication. Without treatment, chlamydia in the eye can cause severe and potentially permanent damage to your vision. 

What are the complications of chlamydia? 

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to several complications, including: 

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): In women, chlamydia can spread to the reproductive organs, causing PID. PID can damage the fallopian tubes and uterus, leading to chronic pain, infertility, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancies. 
   
• Epididymitis: In men, chlamydia can cause epididymitis, a painful condition in which the epididymis (the tube that carries sperm) becomes inflamed and swollen.

• Reiter's Syndrome: A rare condition that can occur in both men and women, Reiter's syndrome can cause joint pain, eye inflammation, and painful urination. 
   
• Increased risk of HIV: Chlamydia can increase a person's risk of contracting HIV if exposed to it. 
   
• Other complications: In addition to the above, chlamydia can also cause scarring of the reproductive organs, chronic pelvic pain, and other health problems. 

How is chlamydia diagnosed? 

Chlamydia can be easily diagnosed through a simple urine or swab test.

PULSE Clinic provides PCR urine tests and swabs at infected areas such as the vaginal, throat, and anal regions. 

When should I expect the treatment to work? 

Chlamydia is treated with oral antibiotics. Please schedule an appointment with a doctor immediately to receive the appropriate medicines. 

The symptoms typically go away in 2-3 days with consistent antibiotic intake, but symptoms are expected to be completely gone in 7 days.  

During this period, abstaining from sex is advised to reduce the risk of acquiring new infections and transmitting chlamydia to others. 

If symptoms persist after seven days despite antibiotic treatment, contact your doctor immediately so you can be reassessed and receive further treatment.   

How can I prevent future infections? 

Get tested every 3-6 months if you are sexually active. It is also imperative to use condoms whenever you engage in oral, anal, and vaginal sex. 

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References:

1 Vista, Emmerson. (2018). Updates on Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Philippines. Philippine Dermatological Society. 

2 Espallardo, Noel L, et al. (2004).Efficacy and safety of ofloxacin in the treatment of non-gonococcal sexually transmitted diseases. The Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. 

3 Li, Khingbherly, et al. (2019). Prevalence of Urethral, Rectal, and Pharyngeal Gonorrhea and Chlamydia among Newly Diagnosed Filipino HIV Patients. Open Forum Infectious Diseases.