Chlamydia

What is it?

Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. In 2001, 783,000 cases were reported but it is estimated that another 2 million people are unknowingly infected with chlamydia.10* It is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection and is the leading cause of preventable infertility and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.

How do you get it?

Chlamydia is spread during sex with someone who has Chlamydia.

Incubation period

If symptoms occur, they usually show up 1 – 2 weeks after having sex.

Symptoms

Most women and some men with Chlamydia have no symptoms.

Symptoms for women include:

• Unusually heavy discharge from the vagina
• Bleeding from the vagina between periods
• Burning or pain during urination
• Pain in abdomen (sometimes with fever and nausea)

Symptoms for men include:

• Watery, white drip from penis
• Burning or pain during urination

Diagnosis

To test for Chlamydia, a clinician uses a swab to remove cells from the cervix in women and the urethra in men. The culture is then sent to the lab.

Treatment

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics taken orally, as prescribed by a health care provider.

What happens if you don’t get treated?

If Chlamydia is not treated:

• You can give Chlamydia to your sexual partner(s)
• A more serious infection can occur, possibly damaging reproductive organs
• Both men and women may no longer be able to have children
• A mother with Chlamydia can give it to her baby during childbirth, causing blindness

> next: Genital Warts (HPV)