From the Guidelines
Yes, untreated chlamydia can cause post-coital bleeding. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis), which makes the cervical tissue more fragile and prone to bleeding during or after sexual intercourse. This infection, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, often produces no symptoms in many infected individuals, which is why it's sometimes called a "silent" infection. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include abnormal vaginal discharge, burning during urination, and bleeding between periods or after sex. According to the 2006 guidelines for sexually transmitted diseases treatment 1, chlamydial genital infection can lead to several important sequelae in women, including PID, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility, highlighting the potential for serious complications if left untreated.
Some key points to consider:
- Chlamydia is the most frequently reported infectious disease in the United States, with the highest prevalence in persons aged <25 years 1
- Untreated chlamydia can lead to inflammation of the cervix, making it more prone to bleeding during or after sex
- Symptoms of chlamydia may include abnormal vaginal discharge, burning during urination, and bleeding between periods or after sex
- Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline, and it's essential to complete the full course of treatment to prevent reinfection and complications
- Sexual partners should also be treated to prevent reinfection, and abstinence from sexual activity is recommended until both partners have completed treatment.
It's crucial to seek medical attention promptly if experiencing post-coital bleeding, as early treatment can help prevent more serious complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause permanent damage to reproductive organs.
From the Research
Untreated Chlamydia and Post Coital Bleeding
- Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) 2, 3, 4, 5.
- PID can cause chronic pelvic pain, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and intra-abdominal infections 2.
- Chlamydial cervicitis, which can be asymptomatic, has the potential for serious gynecologic complications, including PID, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy 3.
- While the provided studies do not directly address post coital bleeding as a complication of untreated chlamydia, they do highlight the potential for serious gynecologic complications 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Cervicitis, which can be caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, is an inflammation of the cervix and may be associated with symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, including post coital bleeding 5.
Treatment and Prevention
- Treatment of uncomplicated chlamydial infections should include azithromycin or doxycycline 4, 6.
- Screening is recommended in all women younger than 25 years, in all pregnant women, and in women who are at increased risk of infection 2, 4.
- Prevention of PID includes screening for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in all women younger than 25 years and those who are at risk or pregnant, plus intensive behavioral counseling for all adolescents and adults at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections 2.