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What is it? Chlamydia is the most common and most invisible sexually transmitted bacterial infection in America. Three million American men and women become infected every year. Chlamydia is a type of bacteria. It can cause sterility in women and men. In women, it infects the cervix and can spread to the urethra, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It can cause bladder infections and serious pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and sterility. In men, chlamydia infects the urethra and may spread to the testicles, causing epididymitis, which can cause sterility. Up to 85 percent of women and 40 percent of men with chlamydia have no symptoms. Symptoms appear in seven to 21 days - if they appear. Condoms offer protection against chlamydia.
How is it spread?
Chlamydia is spread through vaginal and anal intercourse, from the birth canal to the fetus, and rarely from the hand to the eye. Testing for chlamydia involves taking samples of discharge from the cervix (females) or urethra (males). Planned Parenthood offers a urine test for males and females.
Symptoms may include:
discharge from the penis or vagina
pain or burning while urinating, more than usual urination
excessive vaginal bleeding
painful intercourse for women
spotting between periods or after intercourse
abdominal pain, nausea, fever
inflammation of the rectum or cervix
swelling or pain in the testicles
How is it treated?
Chlamydia can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
