Anyone who is sexually active can be affected by chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by a type of bacteria known as Chlamydia trachomatis, which can affect the genitals, anus, throat, or eyes. It is important to know how to prevent, diagnose, and treat chlamydia because it can result in infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and increased HIV risk if left untreated.
Causes and Risk Factors
Sexual contact with an infected individual spreads chlamydia. It can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without use of a condom or barrier method. It can also be transmitted by sharing sex toys or touching genitals with an infected individual. Pregnant women can pass on chlamydia to their newborns during childbirth, causing eye infections or pneumonia.
Chlamydia is more likely to occur when:
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Multiple sex partners or frequently changing partners
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Not getting tested regularly or having a history of STIs
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Sexual contact with someone who has chlamydia or another STI
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You are young (15-24 years old), especially if you are female or assigned female at birth (AFAB).
Symptoms and Complications
The majority of people with chlamydia do not know they are infected and may not have any symptoms. However, some people may experience signs of infection in the affected area, such as:
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Urination pain or burning
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Penis or vaginal discharge that is abnormal
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Testicular pain or swelling (in men)
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Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
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(In women) bleeding between periods or after sex
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(In women) Pain during sex
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Pain, bleeding, or discharge from the rectal area (if the anus is infected)
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A sore throat, a cough, or a fever (if infected in the throat)
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Eye redness, itching, or discharge (if infected)
Without treatment, chlamydia can cause serious complications that can affect your long-term health and fertility.
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An infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries that can cause chronic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
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Infection of the tube that carries sperm from the testicles that can cause pain, swelling, and reduced fertility.
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An infection of the prostate gland that can cause pain, difficulty urinating, and sexual difficulties.
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Chlamydia or other sexually transmitted infections can cause reactive arthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints, eyes, and urethra.
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It is easier to get or transmit HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, when you have chlamydia.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Getting tested for chlamydia is simple and painless. It involves providing a urine sample or a swab from the affected area. You should get tested for chlamydia if you:
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Have any symptoms of chlamydia
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Have a new or multiple sex partner(s)
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Have had unprotected sex with someone who has chlamydia or another STI
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Are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
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Are 25 years old or younger and sexually active (especially if you are female or AFAB)
Antibiotics are easy to treat for chlamydia. It is important to follow your doctor's or healthcare provider's instructions when taking your prescribed medications. Additionally, it is important not to have sex until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment and tested negative for chlamydia. As a result, reinfection is prevented and the infection is prevented from spreading.
Prevention
In order to avoid contracting chlamydia, practice safe sex. This means using a condom or another barrier every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Additionally, you should limit the number of sex partners you have and get tested for STIs regularly. Your partner(s) should be informed if you have chlamydia or another STI, and you should encourage them to get tested and treated as well.
It is important to know how to prevent, diagnose, and treat chlamydia and its complications in order to protect yourself and your partner(s).
