Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S. It can be spread from vaginal, oral, or anal contact with an infected person. An STI is also called a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Chlamydia is caused by bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. Most people don't have symptoms so chlamydia can be spread by someone who does not know they are infected. Left untreated, this infection can lead to serious infections and even make it hard or impossible to have children.

Symptoms

Many people with chlamydia have no symptoms. Thus, it is called a silent infection. Despite the absence of symptoms, the infection can spread from one person to another. Even in people who develop symptoms, it may take several weeks after exposure for symptoms to appear.

In people assigned female gender at birth, the symptoms may include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge

• Bleeding between periods

• Pain or burning during urination

• Pain in the abdomen or pelvic region

• Pain during intercourse

• Painful periods

If symptoms show up in people assigned male at birth, they include:

• Clear or mucoid discharge (drip) from the penis

• Pain or burning during urination

• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding, especially in those who have anal sex

• Testicular pain

Both men and women can get pink eye (conjunctivitis) through contact with infected genital secretions.

These symptoms often go away after a few weeks, with or without treatment. But if you are not treated, the chlamydia will still be there. It can cause long-term problems.

Potential problems

If the infection is not treated, it can lead to more serious health problems. In people assigned female at birth, this can be pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can make it hard or even impossible to have a baby. It can also cause an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. This type of pregnancy can't be carried to term as the fertilized egg is implanted at sites other than the uterus. Symptoms of PID include fever, pain during sex, and pain in the belly. In people assigned male at birth, an untreated chlamydia infection can damage the testes. This can cause pain and scarring. This can possibly affect the ability to have children. Chlamydia of the rectal area can cause serious damage. This includes infection and holes (fistulas).

Screening

Experts advise yearly screening tests for sexually active people assigned female at birth who are younger than age 25. People at high risk, such as those who have many partners, should also be screened. Screening can help prevent problems like PID. Pregnant people should also be screened as part of prenatal care.

Treatment

Chlamydia can be treated when found early. It can be cured with antibiotics. It is important to take all of the antibiotics as directed by your provider. Keep all appointments, and follow up with your provider as instructed.

If you have chlamydia, tell your partner right away. Because people often don’t have symptoms, those diagnosed with chlamydia should ask their partners to get tested. In some places, a person with chlamydia may also be given treatment to give to their sexual partner.

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 correct treatment. Pregnant people with untreated chlamydia can pass the infection on to the baby. This can cause eye, ear, or lung problems in the baby. There is also the risk of a premature delivery.

To learn more

American Sexual Health Association at www.ashasexualhealth.org/ or 919-361-8400

CDC at www.cdc.gov/std or 800-232-4636