Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in
the US. It is spread by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis through vaginal,
anal, and oral sex. 3-4 million new cases occur each year. In contrast, new gonorrhea
cases number 1.5 million.
Symptoms may appear within one to three weeks of infection. Women
may show the following symptoms:
Burning during urination
A
discharge from the vagina
Bleeding
and pain during intercourse
Bleeding
between periods
Men:
Burning and itching around the opening of the penis
Swelling of testicles
Burning during urination
An opaque discharge from the penis
Chlamydia is often called the “silent epidemic” because 75%
of infected women and 59% of infected men will show no symptoms; they may have
no idea they are infected, so they can continue to spread the disease.
Complications
Untreated chlamydia can result in future complications,
including a higher risk of HIV. Women my develop PID, or pelvic inflammatory
disease, which affects the reproductive organs; their risk of ectopic pregnancy
and miscarriage may increase; sometimes they become sterile. Men may also
become sterile.
In pregnant women, it can cause premature labor and delivery
and infect the baby’s eyes, ears, genitalia, and lungs. Pneumonia can occur, as
well as permanent damage to infected eyes, if left untreated.
Chlamydia can be prevented by abstention or by using condoms. Infections can be effectively treated by antibiotics like oxycycline
or azithromycin early on. More information is also available through the
National STD Hotline at 1-800-227-8922.