Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)Chlamydia

What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium that can cause an STI. Chlamydia infection is very common among young adults and teenagers. However, many people do not know that they have chlamydia, because although they are infected they may not have any symptoms. About 75% of infected women and half of infected men have no symptoms of chlamydia.

How does someone get chlamydia?
Chlamydia is transmitted through sexual contact (primarily vaginal or anal) with an infected person.

What are the risk factors for chlamydia?
The primary risk factors for chlamydia include:
Engaging in unsafe sex
Having sex with more than one partner
Being in a sexual relationship with someone who has multiple sex partners

How can you protect yourself from getting chlamydia?
The chance of becoming infected with chlamydia can be reduced by avoiding risky sexual behaviors.
To reduce your risk:
Use latex or polyurethane condoms during sex
Limit your number of sex partners
If you have recently been treated or are being treated for chlamydia infection, you must make sure your sex partner(s) also receives treatment in order to prevent getting infected again. Sex partners should receive treatment even if they do not have any symptoms.

What are some symptoms of chlamydia?
About 75% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms of infection.
In women, symptoms of chlamydia may include:
An unusual vaginal discharge
Bleeding after intercourse
Bleeding between menstrual periods
Abdominal or pelvic pain
In men, symptoms of chlamydia may include:
Discharge from the penis
Burning with urination
Swollen and/or painful testicles

Can infection with chlamydia lead to other health problems?
When left untreated, chlamydia can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
In women, untreated chlamydia can spread into the pelvic area and infect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries–leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The symptoms of PID include:
Abdominal pain
Lower back pain
Pain with intercourse
Bleeding between periods
Fever
PID can be a very serious condition and requires immediate medical care. It may cause permanent damage to the woman's reproductive organs and can lead to infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
In men, untreated chlamydia can affect the testicles, leading to swelling and pain. Related complications can lead to infertility.

What is the impact of chlamydia on pregnancy?
Chlamydia can cause early labor and delivery and can be passed from mother to baby during birth. Chlamydia infection in newborns can cause neonatal conjunctivitis (an infection of the baby's eyes) and pneumonia. Without prompt medical treatment, the infant's eyes can be seriously and permanently damaged.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?
There are a variety of laboratory tests that can be used to diagnose chlamydia infection. Tests are done with either a urine sample or a sample obtained from a woman's cervix or a man's urethra, using a cotton swab.

Is there a treatment or cure for chlamydia?
Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. Because men and women infected with chlamydia often also have gonorrhea, treatment for gonorrhea is often provided as well. It is important to make sure your sex partner(s) also receives treatment in order to prevent getting infected again. Avoid having sex while being treated to reduce the chances of getting the infection again or transmitting it to someone else.