Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the US. In women the infections usually occur in the urinary tract and in the female organs.
(Last reviewed February 3, 2008)
What causes chlamydia?
Chlamydia is caused by an organsim that is very similar to bacteria The organism is called chlamydia trachomatis. It is usually passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse. It can also be passed by other intimate contact with the genital or rectal area, such as oral or anal intercourse.
Another way chlamydia can be passed from one person to another occurs when a mother transmits chlamydia to her baby during childbirth. Chlamydia can cause the baby to have eye infections or pneumonia.
(last reviewed February 3, 2008)
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
People infected with chlamydia do not always have symptoms. It is possible to be infected with chlamydia and not be aware that you are infected. However, some possible symptoms associated with chlamydial infection include:
abnormal vaginal discharge
mild pain or discomfort when you urinate
menstrual periods that are heavier than usual
more painful periods
abdominal pain
spotting between periods or after sex.
(last reviewed February 3, 2008)
How is chlamydia diagnosed?
After you doctor takes a complete medical history, he/she will do a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. A sample will be taken from your cervix for testing for chlamydial infection. Sometimes a sample of urine can be tested instead.
(last reviewed February 3, 2008)
Should I get tested for chlamydia even if I don't have any symptoms?
For several reasons many doctors recommend screening tests for chlamydia during your annual exam. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, and can often be present even without any symptoms. It is also easily curable with antibiotics. For these reasons, you should follow your doctor's recommendations regarding screening for chlamydia. Some doctors also recommend a test for chlamydia for any woman who has a new sex partner or multiple sexual partners.
(last reviewed February 3, 2008)
How is chlamydia treated?
Antibiotics will usually cure the chlamydia infection. Your doctor may treat you with more than one antibiotic, especially if there is a chance you have other infections, such as gonorrhea. Your sexual partner or partners must also be treated even if they have no symptoms.
Do not have intercourse with your partner again until he or she is treated.
(last reviewed February 3, 2008)
Will the chlamydia infection have any long term effects?
If chlamydia is not treated in time, it can cause serious long term problems. These problems include scarring of the fallopian tubes, tubal pregnancy, and infertility. With antibiotic treatment, the symptoms usually go away within a few days after you start taking the medicine. If treated in time, you will likely have no long tern effects.
(last reviewed February 3, 2008)
How can I protect myself from getting a chlamydia infection?
The best way to protect yourself is to practice safe sex and prevent the infection in the first place. Some of the things that you can do are:
Always use condoms during foreplay and vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse.
Have just 1 sexual partner who is not sexually active with anyone else.
Make sure your partner has been tested for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Even if you don't have symptoms but have had unprotected sex (without a condom), see your doctor to be tested.
If you have been sexually assaulted and are at risk for having been infected with chlamydia, you should be treated to prevent infection.
If you are pregnant, tell your doctor so you can help prevent infection in the baby
