Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria .  It is very common among teens and young adults.

It may take 2 to 6 weeks or more for symptoms to develop.  Many people do not have any symptoms.  If symptoms develop, they can appear and disappear. 

The following symptoms may be present:

Women

• increased vaginal discharge
• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• pain or bleeding during or after intercourse
• pain when passing urine
• pain in lower abdomen (stomach)

 

Men

• watery or cloudy discharge from the penis
• pain when passing urine, or passing urine more often
• tingling or itching inside of penis
• pain in testicles

It spreads from one person to another by vaginal, oral or anal sex.

 

Yes.  You can infect your sexual partner(s) from the time you get Chlamydia until you both finish treatment.  Many people who have Chlamydia do not have any signs of infection. You can pass Chlamydia to someone else without even knowing it.

All partners for the past 3 months should be notified, tested and treated.

A Public Health Nurse can help you notify your partners.

 

If not treated:

In women:

• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection in the uterus, the fallopian tubes and ovaries
• infertility (unable to get pregnant) or ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy)
• babies born to infected women could have severe eye, ear or lung infections

In men:

• the infection can spread to the testicles and prostate gland and may cause infertility

 

It is treated with specific antibiotics .

 

Yes, if you take all your pills (antibiotics) as directed and you avoid alcohol during treatment.  Your sexual partner(s) also need(s) treatment before having sex again. 

7 days after BOTH you and your partner(s) have finished all your treatment.

Always use a condom, even if you are using other birth control methods to prevent pregnancy.