Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States, especially among sexually active teens and young adults.
Causes
Chlamydial infection is caused by bacteria known as
Chlamydia trachomatis
. The bacteria are transmitted during oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to have a chlamydia infection and have no symptoms. Many people do not know they are infected. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks of exposure.
Symptoms include:
In Men:
White or clear discharge from the penis
Painful sensation while urinating
In Women:
Increased or abnormal vaginal discharge
Strong vaginal odor
Vaginal redness or irritation
Painful urination
Unusual vaginal bleeding
Pain or bleeding during or after sex
Abdominal pain
Pregnant women can also transmit chlamydia to their newborns during birth. This may cause
conjunctivitis
or
pneumonia
in the baby.
The symptoms of chlamydia and
gonorrhea
are very similar, so accurate diagnosis is important. A swab test from the discharge of the penis or the cervix is the most reliable method for detecting chlamydia. A urine sample may also be used. You may also be tested for others STDs, including
HIV
.
Treatment
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. If you have chlamydia, your doctor may prescribe one of the following:
Azithromycin
Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
Erythromycin
Ofloxacin
It is important that you and your partner both be treated before you have sex again. All of the medicine must be taken as directed. If you still have symptoms after the medication is finished, you may need to be tested again.
Untreated chlamydia can have serious results:
In Men:
Testicles—Chlamydia may cause
epididymitis
, a painful condition of the testicles that may lead to
infertility
.
Urethra—The inside of the urethra may become scarred, which can make urinating difficult.
Prostate—Chlamydia may cause inflammation of the prostate gland (
prostatitis
).
Joints—Chlamydia may cause inflammation of the joints (
Reiter's syndrome
).
Rectum—Chlamydia may cause inflammation of the rectum in homosexual individuals (anal intercourse).
Reproductive organs—Chlamydia can cause
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
, a serious infection that can affect fertility. PID causes scar tissue to form in the fallopian tubes. This may increase the risk of
infertility
or a
tubal pregnancy
.
Rectum—Chlamydia may cause inflammation of the rectum (anal intercourse).
Prevention
Abstaining from sex is the safest course of action. If you are sexually active you can prevent chlamydia by taking the following preventive measures:
Always
use a latex condom during sexual activity.
Have routine check-ups for sexually transmitted infections, especially if you are under the age of 25.
Have a mutually monogamous relationship.
Get checked regularly for sexually transmitted diseases, especially if you are under the age of 25.
Other barrier methods of contraception, such as a diaphragm, may partially protect against chlamydial infection. These methods are not as reliable as a condom.
If you already have chlamydia, you can prevent its transmission by:
Making sure that all sexual partners are tested and treated
Refraining from sexual activity until your infection is gone
RESOURCES:
National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases http://www.cdc.gov/std
Canadian Health Network http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/
Sex Information and Education Council of Canada http://www.sieccan.org/
References:
Chlamydia. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/stdclam.htm
. Accessed October 7, 2005.
Chlamydia. The National Women's Health Information Center website. Available at:
http://www.4women.gov/faq/stdchlam.htm
. Accessed October 7, 2005.
Chlamydia genital infection.
DynaMed website. Available at:
http://dynamed101.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=114223
.
Drugs for sexually transmitted infections.
The Medical Letter
. 2004;2:67.
Kent CK, Chaw JK, Wong W, Liska S, et al. Prevelence of rectal, urethral, and pharyngeal chlamydia and gonorrhea detected in two clinical settings among men who have sex with men: San Francisco, CA 2003.
Clin Infect Dis
. 2005;41:67-74.
Medical encyclopedia: chlamydia infections in women. Medline Plus website. Available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000660.htm
. Accessed October 7, 2005.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
