Cause
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can affect males and females of all ages and cause long-term health effects if left untreated.
Transmission
Chlamydia spreads by having vaginal, anal, and oral sex without protective barriers, such as condoms and can be spread through sharing of insertive sex toys or objects, if not properly cleaned. It can also spread from pregnant persons to their newborns during childbirth.
Symptoms
Chlamydia infections are often asymptomatic, and symptoms can appear weeks after being exposed. Rectal infections may cause symptoms of rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding. Other symptoms vary in males and females:
Females
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation during urination
Males
- Penis discharge
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain and swelling in testicles
Risk Factors
Sexually active individuals who have vaginal, anal, or oral sex without condoms or have a sexual partner with chlamydia are at risk of getting the infection.
If you are sexually active, talk to a healthcare provider about being tested for chlamydia and other STIs.
Prevention
The only way to completely avoid chlamydia and other STIs is by not having vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you are sexually active, you can prevent chlamydia by:
- Being in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for chlamydia
- Using condoms every time you have sex
If you are pregnant, talk to a healthcare provider about the appropriate examinations, testing, and treatment during pregnancy. Treating chlamydia as soon as possible helps prevent transmitting the infection to your newborn during birth.
If You’re Exposed
If you’re exposed to chlamydia, talk to a healthcare provider or your local health department as soon as possible about being tested.
Inform all recent and current sexual partners about your exposure so they can be tested as well. This is important to prevent the spread of chlamydia.
Treatment
Chlamydia can be cured with treatment. It’s important to complete treatment as recommended by your healthcare provider to ensure that your infection is cured.
The CDC recommends Doxycycline 100 mg orally 2 times/day for 7 days for chlamydia infections among adolescents and adults.
You should not have sex again until you and your sexual partner(s) have all completed treatment.
Untreated chlamydia causes long-term damage and increases your risk of contracting and spreading HIV. In females, untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and cause long-term damage to the reproductive system. Some complications of PID include:
- Formation of scar tissue that blocks fallopian tubes
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Infertility
- Long-term pelvic and abdominal pain
In rare cases, untreated chlamydia can cause infertility in males.
Conclusion
Chlamydia is a common STI. Because it is often asymptomatic, it’s important to be tested regularly if you are sexually active. If you test positive, follow your healthcare provider’s treatment instructions to protect your health and the health of others. Refer to the links in the Resources section to learn more.
Reporting
For information on how to report a disease click here. For any questions, please contact the appropriate health authority by phone or review the website for additional information.
Carson City, Douglas and Lyon Counties
Carson City Health & Human Services (CCHHS)
(775) 887-2190
Website
Churchill, Mineral, Eureka and Pershing Counties
Central Nevada Health District (CNHD)
(775) 866-7535
Website
Clark County
Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD)
(702) 759-1300
Website
Washoe County
Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH)
(775) 328-2447
Website
All Other Counties
Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH)
(775) 400-0333
Website