Chlamydia

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia (pronounced "kla-MID-ee-a") is the most common and most curable sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States today. Chlamydia is a type of bacteria that can be transmitted during any sexual contact, including intercourse and oral sex. Chlamydia is a major cause of:

Cervicitis (infection of the cervix),
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) (an infection of the Fallopian tubes and Ovaries),
Urethritis (a type of bladder infection),
Infertility and
Epididymitis, (an infection of the male genitalia)

Why should I be worried about chlamydia?

Over 4 million people are infected each year by chlamydia and most of these infections are in men and women under 25 years old. Because of this, many health organizations recommend routine screening in sexually active young people. Chlamydia is dangerous because it can lead to infertility. It has also been associated with an increased risk of having an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, which is both painful and dangerous. 40% of women with untreated chlamydia develop PID, which is a painful infection involving the reproductive organs. Men can develop epididymitis, a painful infection in the genital area.

Infection with chlamydia also increases your risk of exposure to other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. If someone tests positive for chlamydia they should be tested for other STDs.

How would I know if I have chlamydia?

Chlamydia may have no symptoms. 3 out of 4 women with chlamydia have no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include:

For Women:

• unusual vaginal discharge
• burning when urinating and/or
• lower abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, bleeding between menstrual periods or low grade fever (later symptoms)

For Men:

• discharge from the penis and/or burning when urinating
• burning and itching around the opening of the penis
• pain and swelling in the testicles, or low-grade fever

Many women and men find out they have chlamydia only if their sexual partner tells them that they were exposed or if they get tested.

How are chlamydial infections diagnosed?

If you are sexually active you should ask your health care provider for a chlamydia test. For women, this can be done at the time of your regular Pap smear test. For men, it will involve a laboratory test on a urine specimen. The test is quick and simple. Test results are completely confidential and are shared only with you.

How are chlamydial infections treated?

Chlamydia infections are treated with specific antibiotic medications. It is very important to follow instructions carefully, take all of the medication and return for a follow-up visit if your health care provider requests this. Your partner or partners should also be treated, even if they have no symptoms. This will prevent your getting infected again. You should avoid sex until treatment is completed and your partner or partners have been fully treated as well.

Early treatment for chlamydia is very successful and can prevent later complications of this infection.

How can I avoid getting infected with chlamydia?

• You can avoid getting infected with chlamydia or any sexually transmitted disease by not having sex with anyone or by having sex only with a non-infected partner who only has sex with you.
• If you are not absolutely sure that your partner is free of infection, use protection during sex. Latex condoms (rubbers), used properly from start to finish for each sexual encounter, are the best protection. If you don't know how to use a condom you can ask your health care provider.
• If you suspect that you have been exposed to chlamydia, see a health care provider right away. Make sure your partner is tested and treated, too.

The body does not develop immunity to chlamydia and a person can be infected with chlamydia more than once.

Chlamydia is dangerous, but can be cured. It is important that you talk to your health care provider about any questions or concerns you may have about your sexual activity.

If you test positive for chlamydia you will be offered testing for other sexually transmitted disease and will receive counseling on how to avoid future infections.

How can I get more information?

Ask your health care provider.

Call the National STD and AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-2437 and 1-800-227-8922.

Visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website:

http://www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/factsheets/chlamydia.pdf

Visit the American Social Health Association website: www.ashastd.org