Quick Facts: Chlamydia

QUICK FACTS: CHLAMYDIA

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (sometimes called disease) that is bacterial and is curable with treatment but can have long term effects on your health. It affects over 2.8 million people per year. If you are sexually active in any way you are at risk.

• Transmission: or how it is spread. Through bodily fluid secretions, unprotected sex and can be spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. An infected mother can pass the infection to a baby during childbirth.
• CANNOT Be Transmitted: Through kissing, toilet seats or other surfaces, pools/hot tubs or sharing clothes
• Symptoms for Women: Many people who are infected have no symptoms. Abnormal vaginal discharge or vaginal bleeding, painful urination, fever or abdominal pain.
• Symptoms for Men: Many people who are infected have no symptoms. Painful urination, abnormal discharge from penis.
• Treatment: Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Surgery may be needed if pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) has developed.
• Possible Outcomes: Potentially fatal tubal pregnancy, PID, infertility (may be permanent)
• Prevention: Birth control does not prevent chlamydia. Only a latex condom (male or female) will reduce the chances of transmission. The best way to prevent chlamydia is abstinence (to not have sexual intercourse).

If you think you may be at risk, call your doctor or find a local urgent care or women’s health clinic to be tested and treated.