CHLAMYDIA

Chlamydia, a bacterial infection, is the most frequently reported sexually transmitted disease in the United States. It is most common among 15 to 29 year-olds. Many people are not aware that they have chlamydia and may have no symptoms. Chlamydia is known as a silent disease because three-quarters of infected females and half of infected men have no symptoms. The infection is frequently not diagnosed or treated until complications develop.

Chlamydia is transmitted or passed to another person during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her newborn baby during vaginal childbirth. Chlamydia is diagnosed by a laboratory test of the vaginal or penile discharge.

If a male has symptoms, it is usually a slight discharge (drip) from the penis or pain with urination or burning or itching around the tip of the penis. A female may experience an abnormal vaginal discharge or burning sensation with urination. When the infection spreads, the woman may have irregular vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, a vaginal discharge, belly pain, or pain with urination. For both males and females, if symptoms are going to occur, they usually occur within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure.

This STD is easily treated and cured with antibiotics. There are specific antibiotics that must be prescribed for Chlamydia. Other medicines may also be prescribed if there is a chance of having another infection such as gonorrhea. The antibiotics must be taken as prescribed and taken until gone to be sure that the infection does not return. All sexual partners of the infected person must be treated. Once the antibiotics are finished, it is very important to be re-tested for chlamydia. Remember, someone may still have the infection but not have symptoms. The infected person should not have any sexual contact until tests show that the infection is gone.

If chlamydia is not treated, the infection can cause serious problems in women such as pelvic inflammatory disease or PID. A female may also have scarring of the fallopian tubes, tubal pregnancy, and infertility. In men, untreated chlamydia usually causes urethral infections. These infections can spread to the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm from the testicles. Infection in the epididymis can cause pain, fever, and possible infertility. Like the disease itself, the damage that chlamydia causes is often silent.

Because Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease, the CDC now recommends that sexually active women be screened each year for chlamydia. The CDC recommends the annual screening for sexually active teens and young women up to age 24 even if symptoms are not present. It is recommended that all women be tested if they have a new sex partner or multiple sexual partners. Ask your healthcare provider to test you for chlamydia at your regular check up or sooner if you are having symptoms.

Chlamydia can be prevented by not having any sexual contact. If you are sexually active it is very important to practice safe sex and limit sexual contact to only one partner. Always use a latex condom during intercourse.

People are sometimes afraid to tell their sexual partner that they have an infection. Although it is hard to talk about, it is necessary to do so. It is very important for all sexual partners to get treatment as well. Untreated chlamydia can make a person sterile or unable to have children. This disease can also be passed to babies during birth.

If you are not able to pay for medical care or treatment by a provider you should still seek care. Most communities have free or low cost sexually transmitted disease clinics. If you think you may be infected with chlamydia, seek help from a provider right away. Remember, to prevent chlamydia, use latex condoms each time you have sex.

For more information about sexually transmitted diseases, call the 24-hour National STD and AIDS Hotline at (800) 227-8922 or (800) 342-2437. The Spanish speaking Hotline at (800) 344-7432 is available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:00 AM eastern standard time 7 days a week. The TTY line for the hearing impaired is (800) 243-7889 between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM Monday through Friday eastern standard time. These hotlines are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information can also be obtained from their website at www.cdc.gov.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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