Chlamydia: Transmitting Trouble

Chlamydia is an infection that is easily spread by sexual contact. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) and strikes about 3 to 5 million Americans each year, 80 percent of whom are women younger than 28.

Often, chlamydia causes no symptoms, but if it is not treated, the infection can lead to serious problems. In a woman, the chlamydia infection may spread to the fallopian tubes and uterus. The result can be a life-threatening infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Sexually transmitted diseases cause more than 85 percent of the 1 million cases of PID diagnosed each year.

PID in turn can cause infertility due to scarring or blockage of the fallopian tubes.
If symptoms of chlamydia infection occur:

• Women may notice yellow-green vaginal discharge, bleeding on intercourse, an abnormal Pap smear, pain during urination, or a low-grade fever beginning a few days to several weeks after sexual contact with an infected person.
• Men may have a discharge from the penis or severe burning during urination.

Who is at risk for chlamydia? Anyone who has sex can contract the disease, but young people with multiple sex partners and those with other STDs are at increased risk.Chlamydia may be easily diagnosed and treated if detected early. An examination of the cervix and a cervical culture that is tested for certain antibodies can identify the disease.  Annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea is now recommended for all sexually active women younger than 26 years old and for older women with new or multiple partners or other risk factors.

Treatment for chlamydia generally consists of antibiotics taken by both partners to kill the infection. An antibiotic given in a one-time dose offers effective, convenient alternative therapy for most people. Both partners should refrain from sexual contact throughout the course of treatment, because the risk for reinfection is great.

Although chlamydia can be treated easily and rapidly, the best weapon against it is prevention by use of a latex condom and spermacide. Condoms treated with a spermacide containing nonoxynol 9® protect against STDs and should be used as an added defense, even if women are using the birth control pill.

For information about obstetrics/gynecology services at WPAHS:

AGH  Gynecology Services Information

WPH Women's Health

WPH-Forbes Campus Health

 

Last Updated: October 05, 2009