Chlamydia Health Video

Video Transcript

DR. MEIKE D. LANE: Hi, I'm Dr. Meike Lane and I work for Cascadia Women's Clinic in Vancouver, Washington. Today, I want to speak to you in regards to Chlamydia. This is a bacterial disease that is sexually transmitted. The highest incident occurs in those ranging of the age of 20 to 24. Transmission rates are unequal between the sexes. The male to female transmission rate is approximately 80% and the transmission rate from females to males is approximately 20%. It can be prevented with consistent condom use. It can infect the cervix, urethra, fallopian tubes, mouth and anus. If left untreated, the infection can become systemic affecting other organ system such as your eyes or your lungs. Infertility can occurred due to a history of infection with Chlamydia. Risk factors include unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, first sex act at an early age, minority ethnic groups and drug use. Signs of infection can include none at all. Approximately 5% of those who are infected exhibit no signs or symptoms. Other signs to watch for are abnormal vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, dysuria and low back pain. Diagnosis can be confirmed with cultures performed by your healthcare provider. Once diagnosed, you will be treated with an antibiotic. Your partner or partners will need to be informed and treated as well. Do not engage in any sexual activity until after both you and your partner have been treated. Please contact your healthcare provider for more information.