Table of Contents
Overview
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterial infection. It’s one of the most common STDs, and it’s particularly common among young people. Chlamydia can be easily cured with antibiotics, but it can cause serious reproductive health complications if it’s left untreated.
Symptoms
Most people who have chlamydia don’t experience any symptoms. This is why it’s sometimes referred to as a “silent” infection. When symptoms do appear, they’re typically mild and can include:
- unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- painful or burning sensation during urination
- painful ejaculation in men
- abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting in women
Causes
Chlamydia is caused by an infection with the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. You can get it through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection.
Treatment
Chlamydia is easy to treat with antibiotics. Your doctor will likely prescribe a single dose of azithromycin or you may need to take a 7- to 10-day course of doxycycline twice daily. Another antibiotic called erythromycin may be prescribed if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
It’s important to take all of your medication, even if your symptoms go away. You should also abstain from sexual activity until your treatment is complete and any follow-up tests show that the infection has cleared.
Complications
If chlamydia is left untreated, it can cause serious complications, including:
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- epididymitis
- infertility
- ectopic pregnancy
Prevention
The best way to prevent chlamydia is to practice safe sex. This means always using a condom or other barrier method when having sex. You should also get tested regularly, especially if you’re having unprotected sex.
Outlook
Chlamydia is usually easily cured with antibiotics. It’s important to take the entire course of antibiotics and to abstain from sexual activity until your treatment is complete and any follow-up tests show that the infection has cleared. Otherwise, you may remain infected or spread the infection to your partner.
If left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious complications, including infertility. It’s important to practice safe sex and get tested regularly to prevent chlamydia and other STDs.