Chlamydia

•   Most frequently reported STD in the United States

•   Approximately 3 million American men and women are infected each year

•   Common STD caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.

 Reproductive Organs Affected

Women

•   Cervix and can spread to the urethra, fallopian tubes, and ovaries

•   It can cause bladder infections and serious pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and sterility

Men

•   Infects the urethra and may spread to the testicles, causing epididymitis which can cause sterility

Transmission

•   Transmitted through sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an infected partner.

•   Can be passed from an infected mother to baby during vaginal childbirth.

Signs/Symptoms

Known as a ‘silent’ disease because approximately 75% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms or very mild symptoms

If symptoms do occur they usually appear 1 to 3 weeks (5 to 21 days) after exposure.

Common Symptoms (if they occur):

•   Discharge from the penis or vagina

•   Pain or burning while urinating, frequent urination

•   Excessive vaginal bleeding

Painful intercourse for women

Spotting between periods or after intercourse

Abdominal pain, nausea, fever

Inflammation of the rectum or cervix

Swelling or pain in the testicles

Treatment

•   Chlamydia can be cured by treating both partners with antibiotics

•   t is important to notify all sexual partners and encourage them to get treated at the same time to avoid re-infection

Prevention

•   The best way to avoid contracting Chlamydia is abstaining from sexual contact

•   Using latex condoms can reduce the transmission of Chlamydia