CHLAMYDIA

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by bacteria which can affect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, or eye. Chlamydia is spread by vaginal and anal intercourse and may also be transmitted from a woman to her baby during birth. Over three million American women and men become infected with Chlamydia every year.

Young adults have the highest rates of chlamydia. Risk factors include: Having a number of different sex partners; having sex partners who have a number of different sex partners; not using condoms; having a history of other sexually transmitted infections.

If untreated, chlamydia can cause serious problems. In women, it causes pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the fallopian tubes or ovaries which can lead to scarring and infertility. It is also a major cause of ectopic pregnancy—a pregnancy occurring in the tubes where it cannot live. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening emergency. In men, it can spread to the testicles causing epididymitis, which can then cause sterility. Young men with epididymitis may also develop reactive arthritis—a syndrome which includes urethritis, lesions on the penis, ulcers in the mouth or throat, eye infection, and swelling and pain of the joints—which becomes a disability for about one out of three men who develop it.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Usually, chlamydia has no symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include abnormal vaginal or penile discharge; pain or burning with urination, painful intercourse, swollen and tender testicles, and bleeding after intercourse.

How can I tell if I have chlamydia?

Because chlamydia is often asymptomatic, testing for the bacteria that causes the infection is very important. In the past, chlamydia could only be diagnosed by laboratory tests of cells from the penis, cervix, urethra or anus (swab test). Now it can be diagnosed quickly and accurately by examination of urine samples (no more Q-tips). Sexually active women and men should be tested for chlamydia once a year even if they don’t have symptoms, and immediately if symptoms occur.

The Student Health Center offers this test.

Planned Parenthood, other clinics and the Washoe County Health Department also offer testing, treatment and counseling for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.

What happens if my test is positive?

Antibiotics kill chlamydia bacteria. Your health care provider will give you a prescription. It is important that you complete the full course of medication prescribed (a one time dose or a 7-day course of medication which is cheaper). It is important that all your sexual partners be treated and that you abstain from sexual intercourse until treatment is complete (1 week).

How can I avoid getting chlamydia?

Use a condom with intercourse every time. Have routine checkups for sexually transmitted infections. Abstain from sexual intercourse.

Things to remember:

• Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that often has no symptoms.
• Chlamydia can be identified easily with a urine test.
• Chlamydia can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
• Chlamydia is a serious infection that can cause life-altering consequences if it is not identified and treated quickly.

For other information about chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections, contact the Student Health Center at 784-6598 or call the CDC National STD and AIDS Hotlines at 1-800-227-8922

Other sites for information:

Planned Parenthood

CDC information

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