Chlamydial urethritis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia trachomatis is found only in humans.
Urethritis typically occurs when the chlamydia bacteria gain entry in to the urinary tract via the urethra and proliferate in the bladder. Though the urinary system is designed to keep out microscopic invaders but these defense mechanisms can occasionally fail and cause a full blown infection.
Signs And Symptoms Of Chlamydial Urethritis
Chlamydial urethritis is characterized by:
- A constant urge to pass urine.
- Burning whilst urinating.
- Pain while passing urine.
- Itching.
- Urgency to urinate.
- Frequent, small amounts of urine.
- Discharge from the urethra.
- Offensive urine.
- The urine may be cloudy or foamy.
- Blood in urine.
- Pelvic pain.
Transmission Of Chlamydial Urethritis
Urethritis occurs when the chlamydial bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. The bacteria may gain entry via the GI tract. When the GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra, they trigger inflammation and infection. Moreover, the female urethra is close to the vagina, hence. Sexually transmitted infections cause urethritis too.
Chlamydia may transmit via vaginal, oral or anal sex. Chlamydia is also known to pass from an infected mother to the baby during vaginal childbirth.
Treatment Options For Chlamydial Urethritis
- Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for urethritis. Confer with you health care provider and understand which anti-biotic will be suitable for you. The antibiotics prescribed depend upon your health condition and your symptoms. Symptoms tend to resolve in a day or 2; however, you need to take the antibiotics for 5 to 10 days. Make sure that you take the entire course of anti-biotics that have been prescribed.
- A host of homeopathic remedies help tackle urethritis effectively and speedily. The most efficient drugs are – Lycopodium Clavatum, Berberis, Nux Vomica, Sulphur, Aloe and Sepia. These medicines work effectively on the urinary tract and manage pain, burning and itching within a day or two. Clubbed with home remedies, these drugs proffer immense relief and help battle the infection too.
- Your doctor may prescribe a pain medication to help allay the discomfort and burning while urinating.
- Start a vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C helps to fight off infection rapidly and helps your body recuperate faster. You could also step up your intake of vitamin C rich foods such as – limes, lemons, oranges, guavas, and tomatoes.
- Drink plenty of water. Ensure that you are consuming 3 to 4 litres daily. Water dilutes the urine and flushes out the bacteria.
- Also, include loads of fluids in your daily diet. Have soups, juices, broths, coconut water and herbal teas.
- Steer clear of all drinks which could irritate the bladder. Avoid coffee, alcohol, soft drinks or caffeine until the infection has cleared up. These irritate and inflame the bladder and further aggravate your symptoms.
- Use a heating pad. Apply a warm, heating pad to the abdomen to reduce bladder discomfort and pain.
- Research and clinical trials state that cranberries are excellent natural remedies for urinary infections. Have cranberry everyday – either juice or tablet; the fruit has potent infection fighting properties.
- Apply an anti-bacterial cream / ointment locally to deal with the itching and burning. Ask your doctor which cream would be best suited for you.