Chlamydia

Chlamydia, which is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. Chlamydia is known as a “silent” disease because about three quarters of infected women and about half of infected men have no symptoms. If symptoms of a genital infection do occur, they usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure and may include abnormal discharge or a burning sensation with urination.

Transmission

Chlamydia is spread when the penis, vagina, mouth or anus comes in contact with sexual body fluids. Ejaculation does not have to occur for chlamydia to be transmitted or acquired.

Complications

Like the disease itself, the damage that Chlamydia causes is often “silent.” In women, untreated infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). (See section on PID).

Treatment

Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics.It is important that both the infected person and his or her partner complete treatment. They should also abstain from sexual activity during treatment. Reinfection can occur.