Chlamydia - a Sexually Transmitted Infection

CHLAMYDIA

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It is estimated that

chlamydia is the most common STD with 3 - 4 million new cases each year. Rates of

chlamydia are highest in the West and Midwest, part of the contry.

How is it Spread?

Chlamydia is spread by direct person-to-person contact. It is almost always transmitted

through sexual contact. It is also possible for pregnant women to pass the bacteria to their

infant during birth.

How Do you Know if you are Infected?

Because symptoms are not always present, you may be infected with chlamydia and not

know it. You can be tested for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases at your

local doctor. To test for chlamydia, the physician will use a cotton swab to collect cells

from your genitals.

What are the Symptoms?

If present, symptoms may appear in a week to a month after infection. Seventy-five

percent of persons with chlamydia may show no symptoms. Men are more likely than

women to show signs of infection.

Chlamydia in Men

Painful urination.

Mild, sticky, milky or mucus-like discharge from penis

Testicular pain

Irritation around opening of the penis

Symptoms may seem to "come and go"

Chlamydia is often silent in women, with up to 90% of women asymptomatic. Women

can carry the bacteria for months or even years without knowing it. This makes screening

very important. When symptoms do present, they include the following:

Chlamydia in Women

Mild, milky or mucus-like discharge

Painful urination

Painful intercourse

Bleeding between menses

Abdominal pain

It is possible to acquire the infection in the pharynx (throat) from oral-genital contact.

Infected persons can also transfer the infection to their eyes.

Are There Any Long Term Complications?

When treated early, there are no long term consequences of chlamydia. Serious

complications can result however when left untreated.

Long term complications in men may include:

Epididymitis - an inflammation of the testicles that can cause sterility

Prostatitis - an infection of the prostate gland

Reiter's Syndrome - an autoimmune, arthritis-like condition

Sterility

Long term complications in women may include:

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - an ascending infection that spreads from the

vagina and cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes. PID can lead to sterility.

Perihepatitis - an infection around the liver

Reiter's