WHAT IS CHLAMYDIA?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by
infection from a germ called "chlamydia
trachomatis." It can infect males and females and is a major cause of cervicitis (
infection of the cervix), NGU and PID. Nearly four million Americans get a chlamydia infection each year.
WHAT IS NGU?
Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is an infection of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder). NGU generally refers to male symptoms. When found in females, NGU tends to cause problems in places other than the urinary tract. Of the various
infections that cause NGU, chlamydia is the most common and most serious. Chlamydia accounts for 40%-50% of NGU.
WHAT IS PID?
PID is an infection that extends from the cervix up into the fallopian tubes. PID can expose the infected female to serious long-term complications such as these.
Repeated infections
Continuing pelvic pain
Sterility
Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy where the fetus develops outside the uterus)
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF PID?
Symptoms of PID include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vaginal discharge, pain when urinating and intestinal tract distress.
WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF CHLAMYDIA?
Spotting the symptoms of chlamydia can be difficult. About 75% of females and 25% of males have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include the following.
For Women
Unusual vaginal discharge
Burning when urinating
Lower abdominal pain
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Pain during intercourse
Bleeding between menstrual periods
Nausea, vomiting and headache
Low-grade fever
For Men
Discharge from the penis
Burning when urinating
Inflammation of the scrotal skin
Burning and itching around the opening in the penis
Pain and swelling in the testicles
Low-grade fever
When present, symptoms of chlamydia may appear shortly after infection.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE CHLAMYDIA?
Many people do not know they may have chlamydia until a sex-partner is diagnosed. The only sure way to know is to be treated. A number of tests are available to diagnose chlamydial infections. These tests reveal chlamydia even when there are no symptoms. Typically, a cotton swab collects a small amount of fluid from the infected site.
WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN RESULT FROM CHLAMYDIA?
If left untreated, chlamydial infections can cause health problems for both males and females, including painful infection, permanent damage to the reproductive organs, infertility and sterility. Pregnant females also may suffer birth complications.
WHAT BIRTH COMPLICATIONS CAN CHLAMYDIA CAUSE?
Over 60% of mothers infected with chlamydia pass the germ to their babies during birth. As a result, about 30,000 newborns each year are born with eye infections or pneumonia. Chlamydia also relates to premature delivery, low birth-weight infants and risk of infant death. Chlamydia doubles the risk of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy where the fetus develops outside the uterus). Ectopic pregnancy is a major cause of maternal death.
WHAT FEMALES ARE MOST AT-RISK FOR CHLAMYDIA?
Females most at-risk for a chlamydial infection include the following.
Those 25 years-of-age or younger who have sex with more than one new partner within a two month period
Those who use birth control pills or other non-barrier contraceptive methods
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HOW DOES ONE GET CHLAMYDIA?
Chlamydia infections spread in the following ways.
By genital-genital contact
By anal-genital contact
By oral-genital contact
By fingers from one body site to another
IS THERE A CURE FOR CHLAMYDIA?
YES. Antibiotics can successfully treat all chlamydia infections. However, it is best to treat both sex-partners at the same time because there is a back-and-forth action of re-infection. Therefore, being cured once does not mean a person cannot be infected again.
HOW CAN I PROTECT AGAINST CHLAMYDIA?
Sexual abstinence (not having sex) is the best way to protect against chlamydia. Several other ways to lower the risk of getting chlamydia include the following.
Practice monogamy (having sex only with a non-infected partner who has sex only with you)
Choose your sex partner carefully
Have your partner tested for chlamydia and other STDs
Properly use a latex condom throughout the sexual encounter
Use spermicidal foams and jellies in addition to condoms for added protection
Urinate a few minutes after sex to wash away germs
Wash the hands and genitals immediately after sex to remove germs