Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted bacterium that causes an infection in the urogenital tract. Although Chlamydia infections are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases, 70 to 80 % of infected women have no symptoms. In other cases, however, a chlamydia infection can lead to yellowish or purulent discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, mild burning when passing water or itching in the intimate area. Resulting health issues can be inflammations in the eyes or in the urinary tract as well as arthritis.

Young women? Should have certainty
Teenage girls have an increased risk of infection with the chlamydia bacterium during sexual intercourse because their anatomy favours chlamydia to take root. Another factor is changing relationships: the more partners there are, the higher the risk of an infection. Since unprotected sexual intercourse increases the risk, the use of condoms is highly recommended.

Women with the wish to have children? Better know where they stand
Although the immune system can often cope with the pathogen without long-term consequences, it is a fact that infections with the chlamydia bacterium are among the main causes of female infertility. When a teenage girl or woman gets infected during sexual intercourse and the immune system is not able to cope with the bacteria, this can lead to inflammations in the uterus. In some cases, the chlamydia bacteria can rise into the fallopian tubes or even into the abdomen, leading to symptoms such as fever and severe pain. In the case of chronic inflammation, the fallopian tubes may become damaged and no longer be permeable. The infection also increases the risk of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy and premature birth. For this reason, it is crucial for women who want to become pregnant to know whether they carry the bacterium or not. The Veroval® self-test'Chlamydia' gives a clear answer.