Chlamydia
Chlamydia is an STI caused by a bacterium that infects the reproductive organs and that causes a mucous discharge.
Even if you are infected, you may not notice symptoms. And if it's left untreated, chlamydia can have serious health effects.
Signs
Even when symptoms do occur, they may only appear several weeks after initial exposure to the bacteria
More serious effects in women, but women are also less likely to show symptoms
No symptoms in 70% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia
Symptoms
Females
Both females and males
Males
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between menstrual periods
Pelvic pain
Pain in the abdomen or in the lower back
Pain or burning during urination
For chlamydia in the anus
For chlamydia in the eyes
For chlamydia in the throat
Pain, itching, bleeding, and/or mucus discharge of the rectum
Redness, itching, and/or discharges of the eyes
Sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, and/or fever
Burning and itching in the genital area
Testicular pain or swelling
Clear, watery, or milk discharge from the penis
Treatments
Sexual partners of an infected person within 60 days of when they were diagnosed require testing and treatment.
Anyone treated for chlamydia should be re-tested 6 months after.
Uncomplicated genital infections can be treated if both partners take antibiotics at the same time for one week.
Complicated infections typically require a longer course of treatment. They may require hospitalization for treatment with IV antibiotics.
Ways it is transmitted
Long-term health problems if left untreated
Can be passed from an infected pregnant woman to her infant during childbirth.
By sharing sex toys without washing them or covering them with a condom.
Through unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner
Both females and males
Males
Females
Can injure reproductive organs
Swollen and tender testicles
Inflammation of the prostate and scrotum
Infants of infected mothers
Infertility
Joint pain
Sores
Rashes
Damage to fallopian tubes
Pregnant women
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Ectopic pregnancies
Pelvic pain
Eye infection
Blindness
Illness
Pneumonia
Miscarriage
Preterm birth
Low birth weight
Prevention tips
Prevent the spread of chlamydia when they engage in sexual activity by using condoms.
Be mindful of the setting and consider the consequences.
There are more new cases of chlamydia than any other STD reported each year in the US.
From 1989 to 2008, the rate of reported chlamydial infection has almost quadrupled.
The highest rates of chlamydia in the US are found in 15- to 19-year olds.
1 in 5 women with untreated chlamydia become infertile.