Chlamydia – the simplest microorganisms, infection related to the field of sexually transmitted diseases. They live in the cells of the human mucous membranes and under the influence of favorable conditions for reproduction become the cause of various inflammatory diseases. As a rule, chlamydia affects the organs of the genitourinary system of the body, but can also be the causative agent of diseases of the eye or respiratory system.
The presence of infection in the body is in any case a rather dangerous phenomenon, therefore it is not surprising that many women who are expecting a baby or are only planning to conceive are worried by the question: “ Chlamydia and pregnancy – how dangerous is this combination?”
Features of chlamydia
The danger of the presence of chlamydia in the body, as well as the diseases caused by them, primarily lies in the fact that very often the course of chlamydia is latent, asymptomatic. The disease may not manifest itself for a long time, and only during the period of exacerbation there are “bad” signs: mucous or purulent-mucous discharge from the vagina, periodic pulling pains in the lower abdomen, non-intense pain during urination and during intercourse.
The cycle of development and localization of chlamydia is specific, which greatly complicates the process of diagnosis and detection of infection. That is, when taking a smear from the cervical canal, chlamydia can be detected, and another examination method, conducted at the same time, does not give any results. This happens because chlamydia is “masked” and skillfully hidden, so the results of laboratory studies of the patient’s biomaterial can give both false positive and false negative results. The only way to accurately detect this type of infection is the PCR diagnostic method – an innovative genetic engineering technology that allows you to find and identify even small fragments of protozoa DNA in the human body.
Even in the normal state, at the slightest suspicion of the possibility of infection and the appearance of alarming symptoms, a woman should immediately consult a doctor for examination and appropriate treatment. As for the state of pregnancy , chlamydia in any form and at any stage can cause extremely undesirable consequences.
Chlamydia – the threat of pregnancy!
If a woman is not pregnant, then infection with chlamydia becomes the cause of the development of diseases such as inflammation of the ovaries and appendages, endocervicitis, vulva-vaginitis and so on. Without appropriate, timely treatment, this, in turn, negatively affects the health of the woman as a whole, significantly reduces immunity and negatively affects the entire reproductive system. That is, the presence of chlamydial infection in the body can become an obstacle to conception or lead to complete infertility.
If a woman became infected with chlamydia while already in a “happy state”, then it is chlamydia during pregnancy that can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and fetal pathology. Moreover, there is a real threat of infection of the child from a sick mother at the time of birth.
Passing through the birth canal during the natural birth, the child can become infected with chlamydia, which are located on the mucous membrane of the cervix and vagina. Moreover, the infection can settle in any organ and system of the newborn, subsequently causing such serious and dangerous diseases as conjunctivitis, pneumonia, otitis media, pneumonia. In newborn girls, in addition, inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system can develop.
The conclusion from all of the above follows one: when planning a pregnancy, future parents need to undergo a complete medical examination, including for the detection of sexually transmitted infections. If any are found, be sure to carry out treatment until complete recovery. When diagnosing chlamydia already during pregnancy, treatment is also necessary, however, it must be carried out using several other gentle methods so as not to harm the health of the unborn child.