STD - Chlamydia

Symptoms

DEFINITION

• Seeking information about chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

General Information

• Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Chlamydia infections are very common. It has been estimated that approximately 3 million people become infected with chlamydia each year.
• Chlamydia can be transmitted by vaginal, anal or oral sex

Women

• In women, chlamydia most commonly causes an infection of the cervix or the urethra.
• Symptoms for women can sometimes be mild and not very specific. Symptoms may include increased vaginal discharge, abnormal menstrual bleeding, painful sexual intercourse, or burning with urination.
• Three-quarters of all women with chlamydia have no symptoms at all.
• If not treated, chlamydia can cause significant complications (e.g., pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy).

Men

• In men, chlamydia usually causes urethritis (infection of the tube inside the penis that carries urine out of the body).
• The most common symptoms are discharge from the penis (white or yellow) and burning with urination.
• One-half of all men with chlamydia have no symptoms at all.
• If not treated, chlamydia can cause significant complications (e.g., epididymitis).

Women and Men

• A person with chlamydia is contagious until he or she has been treated with antibiotics.

Additional Resources

1. American Social Health Association
   • “Answers to your questions about teen sexual health and sexually transmitted diseases”.
   • http://www.iwannaknow.org
2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines 2002. MMWR. 2002; 51(RR-6):1-80.
3. Public Health Agency of Canada
   • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), Sexual Health Facts and Information
   • http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/faq_e.html

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• PENIS SYMPTOMS (male genital symptoms)
• VULVAR SYMPTOMS (female genital symptoms)
• Questions about GENITAL HERPES, a sexually transmitted disease
• Questions about GONORRHEA, a sexually transmitted disease
• Questions about HIV, a sexually transmitted disease
• Questions about PUBIC LICE, a sexually transmitted disease
• Questions about TRICHOMONAS, a sexually transmitted disease

Should I Call?

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Care at Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR CHLAMYDIA

1. How is chlamydia transmitted?
   • By intercourse (vaginal or anal), or oral sex.
2. How long does it usually take for symptoms to appear once one is exposed?
   • The incubation period for chlamydia is days to weeks.
   • Sometimes people (especially women) can become infected and not show any symptoms.
3. How can I get tested for chlamydia?
   • Chlamydia is diagnosed by taking swabs of the urethra, vagina, throat, or rectum or in some health centers a urine specimen.
4. What is the treatment for chlamydia?
   • Antibiotic therapy can cure chlamydia. A person with chlamydia is contagious until he or she has been treated.
   • Sexual partners should be evaluated and treated.
5. STD National Hotline
   • The CDC National STD Hotline provides information on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV/genital warts, herpes, and HIV/AIDS. Specialists can provide general information, referrals to local clinics, and written materials about STDs and disease prevention.
   • Toll-free number (English): (800) 227-8922
   • Toll-free number (Spanish): (800) 344-7432
   • Their website is at: http://www.ashastd.org
6. Pregnancy test, when in doubt:
   • If there is any possibility of pregnancy, obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the local drug store.
   • Follow the instructions included in the package.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pregnancy test is positive or if you have difficulties with the home pregnancy test
   • Discharge from penis or unusual vaginal discharge
   • You become worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.