What Is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect the genital tract and may cause symptoms such as urethritis in men and cervicitis in women. If untreated, it may lead to serious reproductive complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men. It can also infect the rectum and throat, leading to proctitis and pharyngitis.
Key Features of Chlamydia
Symptoms
Many individuals with chlamydia do not exhibit symptoms, which contributes to its spread.
- In women: Abnormal vaginal discharge, burning sensation during urination, pelvic pain, and bleeding between periods.
- In men: Discharge from the penis, burning sensation during urination, and pain or swelling in one or both testicles.
- Rectal infections can cause rectal pain, discharge, and bleeding.
Possible Complications
- In women: If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
- In men: Chlamydia can cause epididymitis, potentially leading to infertility.
- In all people: Chlamydia may increase the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV.
Online References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Chlamydia
- Mayo Clinic: Chlamydia
- World Health Organization: Sexually transmitted infections
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Chlamydia