Chlamydia
Statistics and Facts
- Chlamydia is called the “silent disease” because there are usually no signs or symptoms. About three quarters of
women and half of men infected with Chlamydia have no symptoms.
- There are almost 3 million new cases reported yearly.
- Women with Chlamydia are five times more likely to become infected with HIV if exposed.
- Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics, but the damage caused before the treatment is usually permanent.
- A woman who is re-exposed to Chlamydia after being treated can become re-infected, especially if she has multiple partners or her partner has not been treated.
- Some testing can be done through a urine sample, but other tests require a specimen from the penis or cervix.
Symptoms
- Women- there can be abnormal pain and/or vaginal discharge. If the disease spreads, there can be nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or abnormal bleeding.
- Men- while there are usually none; there can be discharge from the penis and burning with urination. Men might also experience itching around the opening of the penis and/or pain and swelling.
Damage
- Women- it is considered to be the leading cause of sterility. It can also lead to PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease- see below) which happens in up to 40 percent of cases. If left untreated, it can permanently damage uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
- Men- while rare, it can spread to the epididymis and cause sterility.