KNOW THE FACTS

Chlamydia is a common and curable STI caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis

Most people with chlamydia feel healthy and have no symptoms. Chlamydia is the most frequently reported STI in the United States. Each year, nearly 3 million new cases of chlamydia are diagnosed in the United States. More than half of chlamydia cases occur in people ages 15 to 24.

 

PILLOW TALK

Between 60 and 75% of young adults diagnosed with an STI become infected with the same STI within a year.

If you are infected, talk to your partner as soon as possible so they can get tested and treated. It is possible to pass chlamydia back and forth. So, if you receive treatment and your partner doesn't, you may become infected again.

 

COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS

Patients often believe they are not at risk for STIs if they use condoms during vaginal or anal sex. Not true! Chlamydia can be transmitted during oral sex and ejaculation does not have to occur for chlamydia to be transmitted or acquired. To reduce your chances of infection, always use a condom during oral, vaginal and anal sex.

 

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Approximately 75% of women and half (50%) of men do not experience any symptoms. Patients that do experience symptoms may have an abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis and/or pain while urinating. Did you know chlamydia is the leading cause of preventable infertility in women? Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious infection of the reproductive organs. Every year, 1 million women become infertile because of PID. In men, chlamydia can lead to pain or swelling in the scrotal area. This is a sign of inflammation in the male reproductive system and can lead to infertility.

 

THE MOST IMPORTANT TEST YOU NEED TO PASS

Since the majority of people with chlamydia have no symptoms, talk to your doctor about being tested. Your doctor may recommend a simple urine test. Usually, your physician will have results within a few days. If you test positive for chlamydia, your doctor will give you a prescription for antibiotics.