Chlamydia: is a STD. Chlamydia trachomatis, or simply chlamydia, is a bacterial infection caused by the pathogen (germ) Chlamydia trachomatis that usually infects the genitals of both men and women, but can also infect the throat, rectum and eyes. Chlamydia is one of the most common STD’s – and because more than 50% who have chlamydia have no symptoms at all – chlamydia infection usually goes untreated.

How is Chlamydia contracted?

Chlamydia is mainly passed through sexual activity: vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner, oral sex, although this is less common sharing sex toys,touching parts of the body with fingers (for example, chlamydia often occurs in the eyes)

You can NOT catch chlamydia from simple kissing, sharing baths, towels, cups, or from toilet seats.

Chlamydia Symptoms in Women:

An unusual vaginal discharge

pain or a burning sensation when passing urine

bleeding between periods

pain during sex or bleeding after sex

low abdominal pain sometimes with nausea

conjunctivitis, or red and painful eyes

Chlamydia Symptoms in Men:

a white/cloudy, watery discharge from the tip of the penis

pain or a burning sensation when passing urine

cloudy urine 

testicular pain and/or swelling

conjunctivitis, or red and painful eyes

Testing for Chlamydia

A urine test and or a swab test collecting fluid from the penis or vagina. (Swab test is obtained by briefly placing a swab in the opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis; this causes brief discomfort and a burning sensation).

If Chlamydia is not treated:

Without treatment, chlamydia infection can spread to other parts of the body causing damage and serious long-term health problems.

In women, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to: ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the womb) blocked fallipian tubes (the tubes which carry the egg from the ovaries to the womb), which can result in reduced fertility or infertility, long-term pelvic pain,early miscarriage or premature birth.

In men, chlamydia can lead to painful inflammation of the testicles, which may result in reduced fertility or sterility and occasionally, Reiter’s syndrome (inflammation of the joints, urethra and eyes).

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