5 Things You Need to Know About Chlamydia

1. The Most Common STD

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States and is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium that can damage the female reproductive organs beyond repair. Chlamydia often goes unreported and untreated as it carries very few symptoms; however, if untreated, it can lead to permanent infertility in women.

2. How It's Spread

Traditional intercourse is not the only means of spreading the chlamydia bacterium. Chlamydia can be passed through any form of sexual contact, including anal and oral sex. Additionally, a mother can pass chlamydia to her child during childbirth. Some medical professionals believe that young girls whose cervix has not completely matured are at the highest risk for contracting chlamydia. Unfortunately, they are also the least likely to seek treatment.

3. The Silent Disease

Chlamydia, due to it's minimal symptoms, is often called the silent disease. While some men may experience penile discharge, most men and women have no symptoms at all. Only about 25 percent of those infected will experience some degree of symptoms, the most common of which is a burning sensation while urinating. If the infection spreads to the fallopian tubes, women may experience abdominal pain, low back pain, pain during intercourse, nausea, fever or spotting between periods. Because there are so few symptoms, chlamydia is quickly and easily passed, making it the most common STD in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of female infertility, as it can exist for years without detection.

4. Chlamydia Causes Multiple Complications

When gone untreated, chlamydia can cause irreversible damage to the female reproductive system. If the infection spreads to the uterus and fallopian tubes, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancy (fertilization of an egg in the fallopian tube). If pregnant, chlamydia can cause premature birth as well as infections of the baby's respiratory tract and eyes. Additionally, women with chlamydia infections increase their risk of HIV infection by five times if exposed.

5. One More Reason For Your Regular Exam

Every sexually active woman should be screened for chlamydia each year during her annual exam or more often if she engages in unsafe sex. Men should get regular check-ups as well, which includes tests for a variety of STD's, particularly if they have participated in unsafe sex. Remember that chlamydia is often a silent disease, so don't wait for symptoms to make sure you're safe. If the chlamydia bacterium is found, it is easily treated with a round of antibiotics; however, it is extremely important that both you and your sexual partner are treated, or the infection will once again be passed.