Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that's spread through sexual contact. It's one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can spread from one partner to another during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Most people who have chlamydia don't have symptoms. But they can still infect their sex partners.
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Treatment is important. If chlamydia isn't treated, it can lead to other problems. For example, it can cause a severe infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. (This is called pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID.).This can make it hard to get pregnant in the future. It can also lead to another kind of infection that causes pain and burning when you urinate (urethritis).
It's easy to get chlamydia again. Condoms can help prevent infections. Not having sex is the best way to prevent any sexually transmitted infection.
Chlamydia (say "kluh-MID-ee-uh") is an infection caused by bacteria. In many cases, it's spread through sexual contact (sexually transmitted). It's treated with antibiotics.
Chlamydia often doesn't cause symptoms. When it does, they may include burning when you urinate, pain during sexual intercourse, or abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis. If chlamydia isn't treated, it can lead to a severe infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. (This is called pelvic inflammatory disease.)
Some types of chlamydia infection aren't spread through sexual contact. These types can cause a serious eye infection, especially in babies.
Many people don't have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear 1 to 3 weeks after sexual contact with an infected person.
Symptoms may include:
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Early treatment can cure the infection and help prevent long-term problems.
To make sure that the medicine works, you need to take all of it as directed. After you start taking the medicine, you'll need to avoid sex for a week.
As soon as you find out that you have chlamydia, be sure to let your sex partner or partners know. Experts recommend that you tell everyone you've had sex with in the past 2 months. If you haven't had sex in the past 2 months, contact the last person you had sex with.
You and any sex partners need to take the antibiotics. If only one person takes the medicine, you may keep passing the infection back and forth.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and your sexual history. You may also have a physical exam to look for signs of infection.
Several types of tests can diagnose chlamydia. Most tests use a sample of urine or a swab from the cervix, vagina, or rectum.
Chlamydia can cause serious problems but may not cause symptoms. That's why it's a good idea to get tested once a year if you are at higher risk for getting chlamydia. Talk to your doctor about what testing is right for you.
A certain kind of bacteria causes chlamydia. It can spread from one partner to another through different types of sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you're pregnant and infected, you can pass it to your baby during delivery.
Chlamydia (say "kluh-MID-ee-uh") is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. It usually infects the urethra or the cervix. If you treat chlamydia, it won't cause problems. But untreated, it can spread and lead to problems like trouble getting pregnant.
Problems from untreated chlamydia can include inflammation of the:
Chlamydia can increase your risk of:
Untreated chlamydia can cause problems in other areas of the body too. It can cause:
Chlamydia can also cause health problems in a newborn.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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