PID and Trachoma

When women have chlamydia or gonorrhea infection, they become susceptible of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID typically occurs when the bacteria spread from the cervix upward, infecting the lining of uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID is characterized by many different symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, or irregular menstrual cycle. The complications associated with PID include sterility (when a woman cannot become pregnant due to too much scarring or adhesions caused by the infection) and increased ectopic pregnancies (when a fertilized egg implants inside of the fallopian tube rather than the uterus). Women with PID should consult their physician for advice concerning treatment and appropriate options for contraceptives. Around 10% women contract PID during reproductive yrs.

Trachoma is another complication associated with chlamydia. Trachoma is a chronic and contagious strain of conjunctivitis (which is number one cause of preventable blindness caused by infection of the mucous lining of the eye). Symptoms include discharges from the eyes and scarring of the cornea, which could lead to blindness. Trachoma can be passed from the mother to the newborn when the infant comes down the birth canal during labor. Ointment is usually put into the newborn