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Chlamydia

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Chlamydia caused by bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Infections can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as infected mother to newborn during vaginal childbirth.

Signs & Symptoms: Individuals are commonly asymptomatic (without symptoms). If symptoms they usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure and can include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Lower abdominal pain
• Low back pain
• Nausea and / or fever
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding between menstrual periods
• Anal irritation
• Discharge from penis
• Burning or itching around opening of penis

Complications & Consequences:

• Chronic pelvic pain
• Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
• Infertility
• Increased risk of acquiring HIV
• PID - Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Premature delivery
• Low birth weight in newborns
• Severe eye (conjunctivitis) and respiratory tract infections (pneumonia) in newborns

Prevention:

• Abstinence
• Annual screening for all sexually active women 25 and under
• Appropriate use of condoms and barriers
• Early treatment of STD
• Screening test during pregnancy
• Take all prescribed medications, even after symptoms dissipate
• Discontinue sexual contact if signs and symptoms occur
• Notify all recent sex partners if infected