Chlamydia

Basic Facts

There were 1422 chlamydia cases reported in Wyoming in 2006.

Chlamydia is common among sexually active young adults and teens.

Most people do not know they have chlamydia. Often the disease has no symptoms.
- 75% of women do not have symptoms
- 50% of men do not have symptoms

If symptoms do occur they will appear within 1 to 3 weeks exposure.

Both males and females can pass chlamydia to partners without knowing it.

If you are pregnant you can pass the infection to your baby if not treated.

Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics.

If left untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, including pain, fever, and infertility.

If you have untreated chlamydia you have a higher chance of getting HIV if you have unprotected sex with an HIV-infected partner.

The symptoms of chlamydia infection include:

Women
- unusual dischange from vagina
- burning during urination
- lower abdominal and/or lower back pain
- abnormal bleeding
- pain during sex

Men
- discharge from your penis
- burning during urination
- itching around the opening of penis
- rectal bleeding
- pain and swelling of testicles

Transmission

Spread during vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia.

Risk Factors

You can get chlamydia from having unprotected (without a condom) vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia.

Chlamydia can be passed from an infected mother to a baby during childbirth.

All sexually active people are at risk for chlamydia. All partners must be treated to decrease risk of reinfection.

Prevention

Not having sex with anyone.

Get tested. Know your status and the status of your partner.

Having sex only with 1 partner who only has sex with you. People who have many sex partners are at higher risk of getting STDs.

Condoms, used the right way from start to finish each time you have sex may help provide protection.

Spermicidal foams, creams, jellies (and condoms coated with spermicide) may cause microscopic abrasions that make it easier to contract an STD. Spermicides are not recommended for routine use.

The most effective way to prevent a chlamydia infection is to not have sex or have sex with someone you know is not infected (that has had a recent negative chlamydia test).

A number of commonly used antibiotics are effective.  Partners must be treated at the same time.  Prevention: intact condoms (latex or polyurethane) should provide protection.