Chlamydia

Description
A bacterial infection transmitted through sexual relations, chlamydia is the most common STD in the U.S. It is incredibly easy to spread because there are typically no symptoms.

It is most commonly found in the following groups of individuals:
• young adults
• individuals in urban environments
• African Americans

It is caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis and is transmitted in two ways:
• from one person to another via close contact such as intercourse
• from mother to child through the birth canal

Symptoms
Most of the time there are not symptoms associated with chlamydia, however when there are they can include:
• painful urination
• vaginal or penile discharge
• cloudy urine

Other symptoms, when they occur, differ between men and women and can include:

WOMEN
• bleeding between periods
• painful periods
• abdominal pain
• fever
• painful intercourse
• burning around vagina

MEN
• burning and itching near tip of penis
• painful, swollen testicles

Tests
A physical examination will reveal any tenderness for women within sex organs, or discharge from the vagina or penis in men. Additionally high white blood cell counts will be considered as will the presence of a fever.

A swab from the urethra for men, and the cervix for women can be taken, as can a urine sample to test for the presence of bacteria. Testing for other sexually transmitted diseases may also take place at this time.

Outcomes
Nearly all individuals infected with chlamydia, are cured with a single dose antibiotic such as Zithromax. All partners must be treated. Symptoms and the infection will clear up in a week or two.
Only in severe cases will hospitalization or IV fluids of antibiotics and pain meds be prescribed. Retesting after antibiotics is highly recommended to ensure infection has cleared.

Without treatment, chlamydia can lead to serious conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy and premature births for women. And for men, serious conditions can include nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), and infection of the urethra, epididymitis, an infection of the tube that carries sperm away from the testes, or proctitis, an inflammation of the rectum.