CHLAMYDIA

 

Chlamydia, which is caused by the microorganism Chlamydia Trachomatis is the most common curable sexually transmitted

disease in the United States. Chlamydia is a major cause of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, bacterial vaginitis, and

pelvic inflammatory disease. Chlamydia infections may have very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, so they are often

overlooked. However, left untreated these infections can lead to serious damage to the reproductive organs, particularly in

women.

 

What causes chlamydia?

 

Chlamydia infections are usually transmitted during contact with the genital, mouth, or rectal area of an infected person.

Chlamydia is not transmitted through casual contact (toilet seats, hot tubs, saunas, or swimming pools). A person can be

infected, not have symptoms, and transmit chlamydia without knowing it.

Is it easy to recognize a chlamydia infection?

Up to 80 percent of women and 25 percent of men with uncomplicated chlamydia infection have no symptoms or signs of

infection. If symptoms do occur, they typically appear within one week to a month after exposure to an infected person and

may include the following:

 

For Men:

pain or burning during urination

frequent urination

pain and swelling in the testicles

low-grade fever

burning and itching around the opening of the penis

watery or milky discharge from the penis

 

 

When should I see my health care provider?

 

Early diagnosis and treatment of chlamydia infections are critical. See your health care provider immediately if you experience

any of the symptoms listed above or if you suspect that you have another STD. You should also have a screening test for

chlamydia at the start of a new relationship or if you are currently sexually active and your partner has been diagnosed and

treated for chlamydia.

 

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

 

A diagnosis of chlamydia is made with one of several types of laboratory tests.

called a DNA probe assay. This involves using a cotton-tipped swab to obtain secretions from the potentially infected site

(cervix, urethra, or rectum). It should be noted, however, that since the sensitivity of the diagnostic test for chlamydia is only

about 94%, some positive cases will be missed.

 

How is chlamydia treated?

 

Chlamydial infections are one of the most treatable STDs, especially when detected early. The cure rate is greater than 95%.

The infection is usually treated with antibiotics. If there is a doubt, treatment with antibiotics may also be suggested even if the

test results are negative or if you have not been tested for the disease. It is better to be treated, as untreated chlamydia can have

long term negative consequences. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms disappear, and to return

for a follow-up examination. All exposed sexual partners should be referred for evaluation and treatment.

Immunity does not develop after being infected; therefore, an individual can be infected with chlamydia more than once. To

prevent re-infection, infected people should refrain from genital-genital contact and intercourse until they and their partner(s)

have completed treatment. While condoms provide some protection, their possibility of breaking suggests that it is best to

refrain from intercourse until treatment is completed.

 

What are the risks if chlamydia is not treated?

 

Chlamydia infections can create serious health problems if left untreated. In women a chlamydial infection may begin at the

cervix and spread upward to the uterus, the fallopian tubes, or to the ovaries. This may result in pelvic inflammatory disease

(PID), a serious infection which can scar and block fallopian tubes, causing sterility, infertility, or ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. In

men it is the leading cause of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) which on occasion causes epididymitis, an inflammation of the

epididymis (located adjacent to the testicle). Epididymitis can lead to sterility.