Health Services
Self Care

Chlamydia

Description
Genital infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatous are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases in both men and women. Chlamydia is a bacteria that may cause a variety of infections. In women, chlamydia can cause an infection in the cervix, urethra, and occasionally the rectum. If left untreated, it may also cause an infection in the internal organs (uterus, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes) called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

In men, chlamydia causes an infection of the urethra, epididymis, and rectum.

Chlamydia is most often spread by direct sexual contact.

Symptoms
Women who have a chlamydia infection may have symptoms such as frequent or painful urination, vaginal discharge, bleeding after intercourse, or rectal pain or discharge. Occasionally, the first symptom of a chlamydia infection may be abdominal pain with fever and/or pain with intercourse. This may indicate the more serious infection known as PID. Most women with chlamydia do not exhibit symptoms. Women may be referred for testing and treatment because their partner is symptomatic or has been diagnosed with the infection.

Men who have chlamydia infection may have the following symptoms: painful urination, discharge from the penis, pain in the scrotum, and or rectal pain or discharge. As with women, men may have no symptoms but may be treated because of a sexual partner who has an infection.

Complications
If chlamydia is not treated, the infection can spread throughout the reproductive tract and may require hospitalization. The infection may result in scarring of  the pelvic organs which may leave the woman sterile. It may also increase the risk of a future ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy that occurs in the fallopian tubes.

In men, chlamydia can scar the epididymis, resulting in infertility.

In addition, infants born to mothers with the infection may acquire the infection during delivery and may contract a severe eye infection and/or life-threatening pneumonia. Although these complications are serious, they may be prevented by early and complete treatment under proper medical supervision.

Treatment
Following an examination and the appropriate laboratory work, chlamydia is treated by antibiotics which may include tetracycline or erythromycin for a period of seven to ten days. Completion of all medication is essential. All partners should be told about the infection and should also receive treatment following evaluation. Sexual contact should be avoided until treatment of all partners is complete and post-treatment cultures indicate that the infection has been cured.

Prevention
Guidelines for preventing chlamydia infections are the same as for preventing other sexually transmitted diseases. Individuals are at greater risk of acquiring chlamydia if they or their partners have more than one partner. You decrease your risk if you avoid sexual contact with a partner who has symptoms of an infection. If there is a question, avoid sexual contact or use condoms. Condoms provide good, although not perfect, protection. If you suspect that you have been exposed to chlamydia or you develop symptoms indicative of this infection, see a clinician as soon as possible. .

More Information/Questions
Messiah College students may call Student Health Service at (717) 691-6035 for more information