A56.3: Chlamydial infection of anus and rectum

You have become infected with certain bacteria. These bacteria are called chlamydia.

Bacteria occur everywhere in the environment. For example, bacteria can be transmitted by air or skin contact. Some bacteria frequently cause diseases if you come into contact with them. Other bacteria can also live on the skin or in the intestines without making us sick. However, you can be weakened by other medical conditions. In that case, you can also fall ill as a result of these otherwise harmless bacteria.

As a result of the chlamydia, you have a disease.

There are diseases that are particularly transmitted during sex. These diseases are also called sexually transmitted diseases. They are usually caused by specific pathogens. The pathogens can for instance be transmitted via vaginal fluid or semen. The pathogens may also be transmitted from a sick mother to her new-born child when she gives birth.

Your anus or the intestinal segment before the anus has been inflamed by the bacteria. The last segment of the large intestine consists of 2 sections. These 2 sections are the rectum and anal canal. The feces are collected in the rectum. The feces then move through the short anal canal to the anus. Feces are excreted through the anus. For example, you may have painful bowel movements. You may also see mucus or blood in your stools. Sometimes you can also have diarrhea.