SEXUAL HEALTH

Chlamydia

February 22, 2018

Chlamydia

Woman holding box of condoms.Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD). Most people do not have symptoms. Because of this, chlamydia may not be noticed until it causes severe problems. Left untreated, this infection can cause women and men to become sterile. This means they will not be able to have children.

Symptoms

Many people with chlamydia have no symptoms. Women are more likely than men not to have symptoms.

If symptoms show up in women, they include:

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge

  • Bleeding between periods

  • Pain or burning during urination

If symptoms show up in men, they include:

  • Clear discharge (drip) from the penis or anus

  • Pain or burning during urination

These symptoms usually disappear after a few weeks, whether or not you are treated. However, if you are not treated, the chlamydia will still be present and can cause long-term problems.

Potential problems

If the infection is not treated, it can lead to more serious health problems. In women, this can be pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can make a woman sterile. It can also cause an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. This type of pregnancy cannot be carried to term. Symptoms of PID include fever, pain during sex, and pain in the belly.

Sexually active women should get checked for chlamydia regularly. This can help prevent PID.

Treatment

When found early, chlamydia can be treated. It can be cured with antibiotic medicines. If you have it, tell your partner right away. Because women often don’t have symptoms, men should ask their partners to get tested.

Prevention

Know your partner’s history. Protect yourself by using a latex condom whenever you have sex. If you are pregnant, take extra care to get proper treatment. Untreated chlamydia in a pregnant woman can pass the infection on to the baby, causing possible eye, ear, or lung problems. There is also the possibility of a premature delivery.

Resources

American Social Health Association STD Hotline  800-227-8922  www.ashastd.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  800-232-4636  www.cdc.gov/std

Updated:  

February 22, 2018

Sources:  

Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infections. UpToDate

Reviewed By:  

Fetterman, Anne, RN, BSN,Image reviewed by StayWell art team.,Lentnek, Arnold, MD