Chlamydia

(See also Sexually Transmitted Diseases)

Definition

A widespread, gonorrhea-like venereal disease caused by a bacterium (Chlamydia trachomatis). It is believed that 3 to 10 million sexually active teenagers have contracted this disease. It is not known how many adults have Chlamydia.
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Symptoms

No symptoms are found in 10% of men and 70% of women. When symptoms do occur, they include genital inflammation, vaginal and/or urethral discharge, difficulty urinating, painful intercourse, and itching around the inflamed area. If untreated, inflammatory disease and irreparable damage to reproductive system can occur, resulting in infertility. Hysterectomy may be required, complications grow as time passes, so treatment by a doctor should not be delayed.

In males, prostatitis and inflammation of the seminal vesicles may be caused by Chlamydia; symptoms include pain on urination and/or watery mucous urethral discharge. Chronic prostatitis and infertility may result without treatment. Both sexes have similar discharges, and it is this discharge that sexually transmits the disease. Both partners should be treated so that the disease is not passed back and forth.
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Treatment

See a doctor. He or she will diagnose and most likely prescribe an antibiotic. Persons under 35 who have more than one sexual partner should be tested every year.
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Nutrients

Acidophilus, 3 capsules or 1 tbsp. liquid 3 times a day, is important when taking antibiotics. Garlic capsules, 2 capsules 3 times daily, is a natural antibiotic and immune system stimulant. Should be accompanied by Doctor's advice. Vitamin C, 3,000 - 10,000 mg. daily (divide into 4 doses per day), helps immune function and is an antiviral agent. Zinc, 100 mg. daily, helps healing and the immune function. Kelp, 6 tablets per day, supplies balanced vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B complex, 50 mg. daily, is necessary in all cellular enzyme system function. Germanium, 100 mg daily, speeds healing and reduces pain or discomfort. Multivitamin and mineral complex, as directed on the label, promotes immune function. Vitamin K, 100 mcg. daily in tablet form, is necessary for blood clotting. Alfalfa is a good source.
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Herbs

Echinacea
Golden seal
Pau d'arco
Suma
Any of these may alleviate symptoms. Alternate teas and consume three cups daily or take in capsule or extract form.
Bearberry
Bistort root
Blazing-star, rough
Burdock, great
Cleavers
Compass-plant
Cubeb berries
Dock, yellow
Gale, sweet
Gentian root
Goldenseal
Gumweed (rosinweed)
Horsetail, field
Lily, wild pond
Maple, striped
Myrrh gum
Ninebark
Quinine, wild
Rattlesnake-master
Red root
Sarsaparilla
Skullcap
Strawberry, common or Virginia
Willow, black

Cautions

This disease is highly contagious. The Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that you protect yourself with condoms. Condoms should be used, but they are no guarantee of protection against venereal diseases! Check with your doctor!
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Bibliography

Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY