CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS PREVENTION/RISK FACTORS
Although chlamydia trachomatis disease is curable, some of its effects are non-curable and non-reversible. Effects such as infertility cannot be reversed. This calls for the need of prevention.
Prevention not only avoids contraction of the disease but also stops its spread in case one is already infected. The following prevention measures can be of great help, especially to those who are at most risk of contracting the disease:
a) Abstinence. Abstaining from any kind of sexual activity (vaginal, oral or anal) by the youth and unmarried adults can go along way in preventing the occurrence of the disease. Alternatively, having only one trusted sexual partner reduces the risk of contracting chlamydia trachomatis.
b) Monogamy. There are various communities around the world who practice polygamy. This is a risky practice in relation to chlamydia trachomatis and other sexually transmitted diseases. Being in a monogamous marriage relationship reduces the risk of contracting the disease.
c) Avoiding on-spot sexual activity with unknown partner. This is common in social places visited by different people. The youth are the most at risk in this scenario.
d) Having protection. Condoms both for men and women play a big role in providing protection not only against chlamydia trachomatis but other sexually transmitted diseases as well, including HIV/AIDS.
e) Regular screening for chlamydia trachomatis. This is highly recommended for those at high risk of contracting the disease. Most health facilities conduct regular chlamydia trachomatis screening that are free.
f) For new mothers, it is important to avoid sex at least six weeks after giving birth or procuring an abortion. This ensures full recovery of the soft tissues, which are prone to even mild infections.
g) Hygiene/strong> Keeping proper hygiene standards is important in preventing growth of any bacteria.
There are several risk factors that are associated with the occurrence of chlamydia trachomatis. These include:
a) Age. Young, sexually active people (including youth) are the most likely to be infected. They are likely to get involved in unprotected sex, have multiple sex partners and get involved in drugs.
b) Marital status. Studies show that single women are the majority carriers of chlamydia trachomatis bacteria compared to single men and married women.
c) Race. Blacks have been noted to be the main carriers of the bacteria. They are also the most infected.
d) Risky sexual behavior. The risk of contracting chlamydia trachomatis increases with involvement in risky sexual behavior such as having unprotected sex with strangers, having many sex partners and getting involved in different sex forms.
e) Poverty. Poverty is associated with the occurrence of many diseases, chlamydia trachomatis included. Poverty means unhygienic living conditions with inadequate diet.
f) New mothers. Women who have given birth are at high risk of contracting chlamydia trachomatis since their cervix is not fully closed.
g) Environment. Unclean environments are breeding grounds for all kinds of bacteria and viruses. Living in such an environment puts one at risk of contracting chlamydia trachomatis.
Preventing and avoiding chlamydia trachomatis risk factors can result in a world free of the causative bacteria. This is however hard to achieve and individual endeavor is the only way left.