Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. There are 2,800,000 new cases each year with some individuals accounting for multiple cases. Approximately 1.9 million Americans are currently infected with chlamydia.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
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, and ovaries which may lead to infertility, tubal pregnancies, and chronic pelvic pain. It is also easier to transmit or get infected with HIV if you are infected with chlamydia.
How is chlamydia transmitted?
Chlamydia is transmitted by contact with infectious secretions during sexual 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 lab test to assess the secretions from the infected area which may include the cervix, urethra, anus, or throat. The lab may also use a urine sample for testing.
How is chlamydia treated?
Chlamydia may be treated and cured with antibiotics administered orally.
Can chlamydia be prevented?
There are only two 100% effective ways to prevent chlamydia. The first is to refrain from sexual contact of any kind. The second is to be in a long-term monogamous relationship such as marriage.
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.