Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is contracted by sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, and anal) or may be acquired by newborns of infected mothers during childbirth. The risk of infection is greater with unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, diabetes, and poor health and hygiene.
Symptoms may include:
Vaginal, penile, or anal discharge or pain
Reddening of the tip of the penis or outside of the vagina
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Pain with urination
Pain with sexual intercourse (females)
Fever
You may experience no symptoms
What your doctor can do:
Diagnose chlamydia by asking about your symptoms, doing a physical exam and, possibly, ordering laboratory blood tests.
Order vaginal, rectal or penis cultures and testing for other STD infections.
Prescribe antibiotics, which usually cures the infection if taken as directed.
What you can do:
Finish all of the antibiotics ordered, even after symptoms are gone. This is the only way to ensure that the infection is completely cured.
Take showers instead of baths.
Use plain, unscented soaps to keep genital area clean.
Wear cotton underwear or cotton crotch pantyhose.
After urination or bowel movements, cleanse area by wiping from front to back.
Avoid douching, pants that are tight in the crotch, or sitting in wet clothing.
Change tampons frequently or use sanitary napkins.
Wait to have sex until after treatment is completed and symptoms are gone.
Notify any sexual contacts so that they may be treated. All sexual partners must be treated at the same time to avoid becoming infected again.
Follow-up with your doctor as recommended.
Prevent infection by using condoms correctly and consistently, avoiding sex with partners not known to be free of infection, and being certain that all sex partners are treated before resuming sexual activity.
Contact your doctor if you have symptoms of chlamydia infection; if you are at higher risk due to sexual exposure; or if symptoms last longer than 1 week after being treated.
