Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by Chlamydia trachomalis. a bacterium that can damage reproductive organs. Most people who have chlamydia don’t know it, since the disease often has no symptoms. Left untreated, chlamydia may cause fertility problems and can lead to ectopic pregnancy – a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb and is potentially fatal.
Untreated chlamydia may also increase the chances of contracting or spreading other STIs, including HIV.
The infection is easily treated with antibiotics, but reinfection is common.
Sometimes people who are infected with chlamydia have no symptoms. For this reason, sexually active people should make STI testing part of their regular health routine.
In women, symptoms may include:
- An abnormal vaginal discharge
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Bleeding between menstrual cycles
- Nausea
- Fever
- Abdominal or lower back pain
- Painful intercourse
- Rectal pain, bleeding or discharge if the rectum is the infected site or if the infection has been spread to the rectum
In men, symptoms may include:
- Discharge from the penis
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Nausea
- Fever
- Abdominal or lower back pain
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles
- Rectal pain, bleeding or discharge if the rectum is the infected site
Chlamydia can be diagnosed with simple lab tests that either use a urine specimen or swabs from the site of sexual contact.
Chlamydia can be transmitted from one person to another during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia. If you have had chlamydia and were treated in the past, you can still get chlamydia again if you have sex with someone who has chlamydia. It can also be passed from a mother to her newborn baby during childbirth.
The only way to avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia is to not have vaginal, anal or oral sex. Limiting the number of sex partners and using condoms the right way every time you have sex can reduce the risk of getting chlamydia.
Chlamydia can be cured with the right treatment. Repeat infection with chlamydia is common. You should be tested again about three months after you are treated, even if your sex partner(s) have been treated.
