Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Kenya and globally. Irys Medical Center offers confidential urine testing using the most accurate methods and highly effective antibiotic treatment to prevent serious long-term complications like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and infertility.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It primarily affects the genital tract but can also infect the rectum, throat, and eyes. It is notoriously known as a "silent" infection because 70 to 80 percent of infected individuals show no symptoms yet can unknowingly transmit the bacteria to partners, leading to widespread infection.
It is an intracellular bacterium that requires living human cells to reproduce, making it tricky to culture. It is highly contagious through sexual contact and is fully curable with appropriate antibiotics. It is most prevalent in sexually active young adults aged 15 to 24 years.
When symptoms do occur, they typically appear 1 to 3 weeks after exposure. Since many cases are asymptomatic, regular screening is essential for prevention and early treatment.
The bacteria cannot survive long outside the human body; therefore, transmission requires direct contact with infected mucous membranes or bodily fluids.
Approximately 1 in 10 sexually active young adults may be unknowingly infected in the region. Rates are significantly higher in urban areas and among those who change partners frequently. Routine screening is crucial to control the spread.
We use Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT), which detects the bacteria's DNA, making it the most accurate and sensitive test (the gold standard) for chlamydia detection.
Requires first-catch urine (first 20 to 30 ml of the stream).
It is non-invasive and highly accurate for urethral infection.
Results are typically available in 24 to 48 hours.
Used for vaginal, cervical, rectal, or throat samples.
Self-collection options are available for vaginal/rectal sites.
Ideal for comprehensive screening when multiple sites are involved.
Annual screening is strongly recommended for all sexually active women under 25 and for all individuals with risk factors, regardless of age or symptoms.
Chlamydia is fully curable with a single course of antibiotics. The treatment success rate exceeds 95 percent when medication is taken correctly and completely.
Azithromycin 1 gram — single oral dose.
Highly convenient, ensuring adherence and rapid treatment.
Can be taken with or without food.
Doxycycline 100 mg — twice daily for 7 full days.
Highly effective but requires patient adherence for one week.
Avoid dairy products or antacids near dosing time.
Test-of-Cure: Retesting is highly advised 3 months after treatment to confirm the cure and detect reinfection. Patients must abstain from sexual activity for 7 days after starting treatment.
Because chlamydia is often asymptomatic, it can progress silently, causing permanent and irreversible damage to the reproductive system.
Chlamydia screening is a routine part of the first prenatal visit. Untreated infection during pregnancy can lead to severe issues, including:
Newborns exposed during birth can develop conjunctivitis (eye infection) or pneumonia. Safe and highly effective antibiotics are available for pregnant women.
All sexual partners from the past 60 days must be notified, tested, and treated simultaneously to prevent the "ping-pong" effect of reinfection.
Irys Medical Center provides support for this crucial public health step:
Strict sexual abstinence is required for 7 days after both you and your partner(s) begin antibiotic treatment.
Visit Irys Medical Center immediately for confidential testing and treatment if you experience:
Remember: Early detection and a single dose of treatment prevent complications and protect your future fertility.