Chlamydia - STI

Some Basics...

• Chlamydia is a bacteria (germ).
• It can be spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• It can be treated with antibiotics. Until a person with this germ has been treated, he or she can spread it to others.

Prevention

There are only two 100% effective means of avoiding STIs:

• Not having sex or oral sex (abstinence)
• Having only one, long-term sexual partner who does not have any STIs
• Condoms can help reduce the transmission of STIs during sex. Condoms can also be used during oral and anal sex to prevent STIs.

Symptoms in Women

• In women this germ can cause an infection of the cervix or the urethra.
• Symptoms for women can sometimes be mild. There can be vaginal discharge or burning with passing urine. Such symptoms can be wrongly thought to be from a bladder or vaginal infection.
• A woman may also see changes in her period. She may have pain during sex.
• 75% of all women with this germ have no symptoms at all.

Symptoms in Men

• In men, this germ can cause urethritis. This is an infection of the urethra of the penis. The urethra is the small tube that carries urine from the bladder, through the penis, and out of the body.
• The most common symptoms are white or yellow discharge from the penis. There may also be burning with passing urine.
• 50% of all men with this germ have no symptoms at all.

Complications

If not treated, chlamydia can cause worse problems.

• In women this germ can cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). This is an infection of the tubes. This causes scarring of the tubes. As a result, a tubal pregnancy is more likely. An infection of the tubes can also keep a woman from getting pregnant.
• In men, this germ can cause epididymitis. This is an infection of a tiny gland next to each testicle.

When to Call for Chlamydia - STI

Care Advice

Chlamydia

1. What You Should Know:
   • Chlamydia is a bacteria (germ).
   • It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
   • Antibiotic drugs can treat chlamydia.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. How Is It Spread?
   • Chlamydia is spread by having sex with someone who has it.
   • It can be spread by vaginal, oral or anal sex.
     
3. Symptoms:
   • It is common to not have any symptoms. A person can have chlamydia and not know it.
   • Men: White or yellow discharge from the penis and burning with passing urine.
   • Women: Vaginal discharge or burning with passing urine. Changes in periods. Pain with sex.
4. How Long Does It Take for Symptoms to Appear after Exposure?
   • Symptoms may not start for days to weeks.
   • Sometimes people may be infected but not have any symptoms. This happens more often to women.
5. Testing:
   • The doctor can test your urine for chlamydia.
   • Sometimes a swab is taken of the penis, urethra, vagina, throat, or rectum.
   • A blood test is not needed.
6. Treatment:
   • Antibiotic drugs can treat chlamydia.
   • A person can spread it until he or she has been treated.
   • Sexual partners should be tested and treated.
7. Prevention:
   • There are only two 100% effective means of avoiding STIs:
   • Not having sex or oral sex (abstinence)
   • Having only one, long-term sexual partner who does not have any STIs
   • Condoms can help reduce the transmission of STIs during sex. Condoms can also be used during oral and anal sex to prevent STIs.
   • You need testing and antibiotic treatment if you had sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) with someone with chlamydia and did not use a condom.
8. Pregnancy Test, When in Doubt:
   • If there is a chance that you might be pregnant, use a urine pregnancy test.
   • You can buy a pregnancy test at the drugstore.
   • It works best first thing in the morning.
   • Follow all package instructions.
9. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pregnancy test is positive or you have trouble with the at-home test
   • Discharge from penis or vagina is not normal
   • You think you need to be seen
   • You get worse

Hotlines and Internet Resources

1. United States - STI Hotline:
   • American Social Health Association STI Hotline provides information on STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV/genital warts, herpes, and HIV/AIDS. It can provide referrals to local clinics.
   • Toll-free number (English): (800) 227-8922
   • Toll-free number (Spanish): (800) 344-7432
   • Their website is at: www.ashasexualhealth.org
2. Internet Resources:
   • American Social Health Association: This website has answers to your questions about sexual health and STIs. It can be found at http://www.iwannaknow.org
   • STD Treatment Guidelines 2015, Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC): This can be found at STD Treatment Guidelines, 2015

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.