5 Things to Know About Chlamydia

1. What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States, affecting 2.3 million individuals annually.

2. What causes Chlamydia?

It is caused by a bacterium known as Chlamydia trachomatis, which is transmitted by sexual activity. Any contact with the bacteria via mucous membranes, including the mouth, vagina and anus, are at risk for infection. Risk factors include previous history of any STD, multiple sex partners or a new partner, but you cannot become infected by touching an object such as a toilet seat.

3. What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?

Most individuals (50 percent to 75 percent) will not have symptoms, but when they do occur, onset is approximately 1-3 weeks after exposure.

Symptoms of Chlamydia include:
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching
• Abdominal pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
• Burning during urination
• Penile discharge
• Testicular pain from secondary epididymitis

Complications of undiagnosed or untreated Chlamydia:
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Lymphogranuloma venereum (infected lymph nodes)
• Reactive arthritis
• Infants born to infected women are at risk for eye or lung infections
• Infertility

4. How do you diagnose and treat Chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be detected with a urine test or cervical/urethral swab this is then sent to a laboratory. The test is very sensitive and takes about two days to process. Any sexually active individual under the age of 25 years should be tested annually.

Chlamydia is treated and cured with antibiotics, usually azithromycin or doxycycline. The infected individual’s sexual partner should also be treated to avoid passing the infection back and forth. Abstinence for one week after treatment is recommended to prevent reinfection.

5. How do you prevent Chlamydia?

The only 100 percent-prevention method is abstinence. However, use of a barrier type of birth control, like a latex condom, can also reduce the risk of contracting the infection. People should avoid have any sexual relations with partners who have genital lesions, ulcers, rash, discharge, burning with urination and/or a history of STDs that have not been treated.

If you or your partner have any concerning symptoms, visit your healthcare provider for more information and testing.