Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. There are 2,800,000 new caseseach year with some individuals accounting for multiple cases. Approximately1.9 million Americans are currently infected with chlamydia.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
In most cases there are no symptoms. Some females may experiencea vaginal discharge and/or pelvic or abdominal pain. Males usuallyhave pain while urinating and may have a discharge from the penis.
Can having chlamydia lead to other problems?
Chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in females.PID involves a severe infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, andovaries which may lead to infertility, tubal pregnancies, and chronicpelvic pain. It is also easier to transmit or get infected with HIVif you are infected with chlamydia.
How is chlamydia transmitted?
Chlamydia is transmitted by contact with infectious secretions duringsexual activity which includes vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse.Chlamydia may also be spread from mother-to-child during birth.
How is chlamydia diagnosed?
Chlamydia may be diagnosed by your healthcare provider using a labtest to assess the secretions from the infected area which may includethe cervix, urethra, anus, or throat. The lab may also use a urinesample for testing.
How is chlamydia treated?
Chlamydia may be treated and cured with antibiotics administeredorally.
Can chlamydia be prevented?
There are only two 100% effective ways to prevent chlamydia. Thefirst is to refrain from sexual contact of any kind. The second isto be in a long-term monogamous relationship such as marriage.
Last Updated: 01/2013
Compiled using information from the following sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov
Infectious Diseases of the Female Genital Tract Fourth Ed. Sweet, Richard L, et al, Ch. 5.
