Name of the Condition

• Common name: Chlamydial infection
• Medical term: Chlamydial infection of the genitourinary tract, unspecified

Summary

Chlamydial infection of the genitourinary tract is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It often presents with mild symptoms or can be asymptomatic, making it easily overlooked yet quite common.

Causes

The condition is caused by the transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis during sexual contact with an infected person.

Risk Factors

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Unprotected sex
• Young age, particularly those under the age of 25
• Previous history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Symptoms

• Painful urination
• Lower abdominal pain
• Vaginal or penile discharge
• Bleeding between periods (in women)
• Testicular pain (in men)

Diagnosis

• Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) through urine samples or swabs from the affected area
• Physical examination by a healthcare professional

Treatment Options

• Antibiotic medications such as azithromycin or doxycycline
• It is important for sexual partners to be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate treatment, the prognosis is excellent, and the infection can be fully resolved.
• Follow-up testing may be recommended to ensure the infection has cleared.

Complications

• Untreated infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which may result in infertility.
• Epididymitis in men, which may also affect fertility.
• Increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Practicing safe sex by using condoms
• Regular STI screenings for sexually active individuals
• Limiting the number of sexual partners

When to Seek Professional Help

• Experiencing any of the typical symptoms
• After unprotected sex with a potentially infected partner
• If a partner has been diagnosed with an STI

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Chlamydia
• World Health Organization (WHO): Sexually Transmitted Infections

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate identification of the infection site within the genitourinary tract; use A56.2 only when unspecified.
• Verify that related conditions and symptoms are properly documented for comprehensive coding.