"Chlamydia is a common STD that can infect both men and women. It can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible for her to get pregnant later on. Chlamydia can also have potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb)." "Chlamydia is spread by having anal, vaginal or oral sex with someone who has clamydia."

 

"If you are sexually active, you can reduce you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting chlamydia:"

 

*Be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STD test results:

 

*Using latex condoms the right way everytime you have sex.

 

 

"Sexually active young people are at a higher risk of getting chlamydia. This is due to behaviors and biological factors common among young people."

 

"Chlamydia may show no signs or symptoms. If you do have symptoms they might not appear until several weeks after you have sex with an infected partner. Even when chlamydia causes no symptoms, it can damage your reproductive system."

 

Women with symptoms may notice:

*An abnormal vaginal discharge;

*A burning sensation when urinating.

 

Men with symptoms may notice:

*A discharge from their penis;

*A burning sensation when urinating;

*Pain and swelling in one or both testicles (although this is less common).

 

Men and women can also get infected with chlamydia in their rectum, either by having receptive anal sex or by spread from another infected site (such as the vagina). While these infections often cause no symptoms they can cause

*Rectal pain;

*Discharge;

*Bleeding.

 

"Chlamydia can be cured with the right treatment. It is important that you take all of the medication your doctor prescribes to cure your infection. When taken properly it will stop the infection and could decrease your chances of having complications later on. Medication for chlamydia should not be shared with anyone.

Repeat infections with chlamydia is common. You should be tested again about three months after you are treated, even if your sex partner(s) was treated."

 

Information provided by cdc.org