Download Chlamydia fact sheet

Chlamydia fact sheet
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It’s
called a “silent” disease because symptoms often
go unnoticed.
How common is it?
About 4 million people are infected each year. It’s under-reported because people don’t know
they have it and don’t seek treatment.
How do people get it?
Chlamydia is spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can be passed from a mother to her
baby during childbirth. It is not true that you can get it from toilet seats.
What are the symptoms?
Often there are no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they begin after 1-3 weeks. They include:
For women
For men
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Discharge from the penis
•Burning sensation during urination
•Burning and itching around the opening
•Abdominal pain
of the penis
•Low back pain
•Nausea
•Fever
•Pain during sex
•Bleeding between menstrual periods
continued >
How is Chlamydia diagnosed?
If you have symptoms, see your doctor immediately. You’ll be given a urine lab test, or a
specimen will be taken from your penis or cervix.
Who should be tested?
•Sexually active women age 25 and younger should be tested each year
•Pregnant women
•Older women who are at a high risk because they have a new partner
What are the complications?
Chlamydia can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). People with PID may experience
pelvic pain, pregnancy outside the uterus, scarring of reproductive organs and infertility.
How do you treat it?
It’s easy to treat with antibiotics. All sex partners must be tested and treated. If you are
diagnosed, you should not have sex until your treatment is finished to avoid re-infection.
Multiple infections increase the likelihood of damage to your reproductive organs.
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