Chlamydia

Chlamydia is an infection with the organism Chlamydia trachomatis. It is spread during vaginal, anal or oral sex. In women, chlamydia infection can cause inflammation of the cervix and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. In men, it can cause inflammation of the urethra, the organ through which urine passes; the epididymis, where sperm are stored; or the prostate gland. It can increase the chance of getting HIV. Pregnant women who get chlamydia can pass the infection on to their child during birth; chlamydia infection in an infant may cause an eye infection or pneumonia.

Symptoms

You may have genital chlamydia infection without any symptoms. Experts estimate that up to 75 percent of women and 50 percent of men who have chlamydia infection have no symptoms or symptoms so mild they don't seek treatment.

If you do have symptoms, they usually appear one to three weeks after exposure.

For women, symptoms may include:

• Burning or pain during urination

• Pain in the lower abdomen

• Anal discomfort

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge

For men, symptoms may include:

• Burning or pain during urination

• Watery or thin white discharge from penis

• Pain or swelling in the testicles

• Anal discomfort

Treatment

Fortunately, chlamydia infection can be treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin, doxycycline and erythromycin. Because many people with chlamydia also have gonorrhea, antibiotics for both infections are usually given together.