Cause: Chlamydia Trachomatis

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is an infection that is transmitted through close physical contact during sexual intercourse. It can be transmitted through oral and anal sex as well as vaginal.

What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?

A person who has been infected with Chlamydia will start seeing symptoms within 1 to 3 weeks: however, many men and women report no symptoms at all.

How can you test for Chlamydia?

A doctor or nurse practitioner will take a sample of the discharge from the man’s urethra (urinary tract) or the woman’s cervix (opening to the uterus) during an exam. The sample will be sent to a lab and tested for the organism that causes Chlamydia.

Can Chlamydia be treated an cured?

Yes, a person can be treated for Chlamydia with antibiotics and be completely cured of the infection. This person’s partners must also be treated to insure that the infection won't be passed back and forth.

What if Chlamydia is not treated?

If Chlamydia is not treated it can spread into the pelvic organs and cavity causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause scarring and permanent damage to the pelvic organs. If PID goes untreated it can cause infertility in both men and women.

How can Chlamydia transmission be prevented?

No method is completely foolproof. People who have only one sexual partner are the least likely to get Chlamydia. If you do have more than one partner, or are unsure if your partner may have more than one partner, it is very important to use condoms. It should be noted, however, that condoms cannot protect areas they do not cover. For example: the groin area, the upper thighs and the abdomen.