CHLAMYDIA

• Chlamydia

  A common sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis

  
• Chlamydia

  • It is easily treated and cured with antibiotics
  • It can cause permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system
  • It can cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy
  • In pregnant women, it can cause the baby to be born early (prematurity)

  
• How chlamydia is spread

  1. Having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia

  2. A pregnant person with chlamydia can give the infection to their baby during childbirth

  
• Completely avoiding STDs

  Not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• Reducing risk of getting chlamydia

  • Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have chlamydia
  • Using condoms the right way every time you have sex
• People at risk for chlamydia

  • Sexually active people
  • Sexually active young people
  • Gay and bisexual men
• Sexually active women should get tested for chlamydia every year if they are younger than 25 years old or 25 years and older with risk factors
• Chlamydia in pregnancy

  • If a pregnant person has chlamydia, they can give the infection to their baby during delivery, which can cause an eye infection or pneumonia in the baby
  • Having chlamydia may also make it more likely to deliver the baby early

  
• Pregnant people should receive testing for chlamydia at their first prenatal visit

  
• Symptoms of chlamydia

  • Women may notice an abnormal vaginal discharge and a burning sensation when peeing
  • Men may notice a discharge from their penis, a burning sensation when peeing, and pain and swelling in one or both testicles
  • People can also get chlamydia in their rectum, which may cause rectal pain, discharge, and bleeding
• Laboratory tests can diagnose chlamydia

  
• Treatment for chlamydia

  • Chlamydia is treatable and curable with antibiotic tablets including azithromycin or doxycycline
  • It is important to take all of the medicine to cure the infection
  • Medicine will stop the infection but will not undo any permanent damage caused by the disease
• Repeat infection with chlamydia is common, so you should receive testing again about three months after your treatment
• When to have sex again after chlamydia treatment

  • You should not have sex again until you and your sex partner(s) complete treatment
  • If given a single dose of medicine, you should wait seven days after taking the medicine before having sex
  • If given medicine to take for seven days, wait until you finish all the doses before having sex
• If you've had chlamydia and took medicine in the past, you can still get it again if you have sex without a condom with a person who has chlamydia
• Consequences of untreated chlamydia

  • In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to formation of scar tissue that blocks fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and long-term pelvic/abdominal pain
  • In men, it can cause a fever and pain in the tubes attached to the testicles, which can in rare cases lead to infertility
  • Untreated chlamydia may also increase your chances of getting or giving HIV