Chlamydia
(cla MIH dee ah)
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted bacterium. It can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, eyes, or throat. In women, it usually infects the cervix and can spread to the urethra, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It can cause bladder infections and serious pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and sterility. In men, chlamydia infects the urethra and may spread to the testicles, causing epididymitis, which can cause sterility.
Chlamydia can also lead to reactive arthritis — especially in young men. One in three men with reactive arthritis becomes permanently disabled. In infants, chlamydia can cause pneumonia, eye infections, and blindness. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in America. About three million American men and women become infected every year.
Common symptoms — if they occur
- discharge from the penis or vagina
- pain or burning while urinating, frequent 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
Symptoms appear in five to 21 days — if they appear. Seventy-five percent of women and 50 percent of men with chlamydia have no symptoms. Many women discover they have chlamydia only because their partners are found to be infected. Other women discover that they must have had it for some time when they are treated for the infertility that it can cause.
How chlamydia is spread
- vaginal and anal intercourse
- from the birth canal to the fetus
- rarely, from the hand to the eye
- rarely, during oral sex
Diagnosis: Can be confused with gonorrhea and other conditions. Examination of tissue samples or urine is necessary for correct diagnosis.
Treatment: Antibiotics for both partners. Follow-up testing may be suggested three to four months after treatment.
Protection: Condoms reduce the risk of infection with chlamydia.
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