Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium. Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. An estimated 3 million Americans are infected with chlamydia each year. Three-quarters of infected women and half of infected men have no symptoms. Sexually active girls and young women are especially susceptible to chlamydia because the cells that form the lining of the immature cervix are easily invaded by the bacteria. Women with symptoms might have an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. When the infection spreads from the cervix to the fallopian tubes, some women still have no symptoms; others have lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, and bleeding between menstrual periods. Whenever the infection spreads past the cervix, permanent and irreversible damage can occur to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and tissues surrounding the ovaries. This damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy.
Widely available laboratory tests can accurately detect chlamydia bacteria in a urine sample. Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Persons who engage in sexual behaviors that place them at risk of STDs should use latex or polyurethane condoms every time they have sex, limit the number of sex partners, and not alternate partners. All young, sexually active, unmarried persons who do not use condoms every time they have sex should be screened for chlamydia yearly. Infected persons should notify any and all sex partners so they can receive treatment.2
Bibliography
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1998). "1998 Guidelines for Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 47 (RR-1): 53-59.
Stamm, W. E. (1999). "Chlamydia trachomatis Infections of the Adult." In Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 3rd edition, eds. K. Holmes, P. Mardh, P. Sparling et al. New York: McGraw-Hill.
2 Adapted from "chlamydia." Answers.com. Encyclopedia of Public Health, The Gale Group, Inc, 2002. http://www.answers.com/topic/chlamydia, accessed January 22, 2007.