Disease
Fact Sheet Series:
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease
(STD) caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the
most commonly reported STD in the state.
Who gets chlamydia infection?
Anyone who is sexually active can get chlamydia, but those at greater
risk include:
- Sexually active adolescents
- Persons diagnosed with any STD
- Persons with a sex partner diagnosed with any STD
- Persons with more than one sex partner
- Persons with a new sex partner
How is chlamydia spread?
Chlamydia is usually spread by genital sexual contact, but chlamydia
can also infect the throat, rectum and eyes. Babies can get a chlamydia
infection during birth if the mother has this infection.
What are the signs and symptoms of chlamydia infection?
The majority of individuals may experience no symptoms at all. If
symptoms do occur, they usually include a vaginal discharge in
women, burning when urinating and increased urgency to urinate. Burning
when urinating may also occur in men with chlamydia.
How soon do symptoms appear?
When symptoms do occur, they usually occur 1-2 weeks after sexual
contact with an infected individual.
How long can a person have this infection?
Chlamydia infection may persist for many months if untreated, even in
persons without symptoms. During this time, damage to the reproductive
organs can occur in women and the infection can be transmitted to sex
partners.
Does past infection with chlamydia make a person
immune?
No. Reinfection with chlamydia can occur any time a person is
re-exposed.
What is the treatment for chlamydia?
Antibiotics such as doxycycline or ofloxacin usually taken for 7 days
are often prescribed. Other antibiotics such as azithromycin taken in a
single dose can also be prescribed.
What would happen if I had chlamydia and didn't get
treatment?
Untreated chlamydia infection, and especially reinfection with
chlamydia, is a major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women,
which can prevent a woman from ever having a baby (infertility). PID can
also cause scar tissue growth in the fallopian tube, ectopic pregnancy
(pregnancy outside the uterus) and chronic pelvic pain. In men,
inflammation from the infection can cause pain in the testis (epididymitis)
and blockages leading to sterility.
How can I avoid exposure to this infection?
If you don't have a mutually monogamous, steady, or lifelong sex
partner, a condom can help protect you from exposure to chlamydia and
other sexually transmitted infections.
What should I do if I think I have this infection?
A test for chlamydia that gives accurate, quick results is available
at your doctor's office, family planning clinics and STD clinics. Early
diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid serious complications and
spread of this disease. If you test positive, all of your sex partners of
the past 3 months or your most recent sex partner should be tested and
treated for chlamydia, even if they have no symptoms. Public health
professionals from your local health department can help you with the task
of informing partners. If your sex partners have the infection and are not
treated, you could get infected again if you have sex again with the same
partners.
If I have chlamydia, can I have other STDs as well?
Yes. It is possible to have more than one STD at a time. Different
STDs are spread in the same manner - through sexual contact (oral, anal,
vaginal and penile). In addition, an untreated chlamydia infection can
increase your chances of acquiring HIV infection. It is important to make
an appointment at your doctor’s office or clinic to be examined and
tested for STDs as soon as you notice any unusual signs or symptoms or are
aware of sexual exposure to someone with an STD.
For more information, contact your
Local
Public Health Department
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Last Revised: March 20, 2008
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