CHLAMYDIA
Overview
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Chlamydia is not the same as gonorrhea and it needs to be treated with
different medications. It is caused by a bacteria which lives inside the cells
of the reproductive tract. One can have the bacteria for a long time before
symptoms show up. Many people never have symptoms. Even if you have no
symptoms, Chlamydia can be spread to others during oral, vaginal or anal
sexual intercourse. Untreated Chlamydia is one of the main causes of
infertility (the inability to get pregnant) in women.
What are the Symptoms?

Men:
often no symptoms
o watery discharge from penis
o burning/itching around tip of penis
o frequent passing of urine
o burning pain when passing urine
Women:
o often no symptoms
o increased vaginal discharge
o vaginal itching
o burning pain when passing urine
o pain during sexual intercourse
o bleeding after intercourse
o bleeding between menstrual periods
o pain in the lower abdomen
o

How is it Diagnosed?
Chlamydia can be diagnosed by taking a swab from a woman's cervix or the
tip of a man's penis. Chlamydia can be diagnosed by a urine sample testing.
How is it Treated?


Chlamydia is treated with specific antibiotics. To cure Chlamydia all
prescribed pills must be taken. It is important that all sexual
partner(s) be tested and treated, whether they have symptoms or
not.
It is best to avoid all genital contact, especially sexual intercourse,
even with a condom, until all medication is finished.
Long Term Complications


Men: Inflammation and spread of the infection to the testicles and
prostate gland may cause a man to become sterile.
Women: Inflammation and spread of the infection to the fallopian
tubes and ovaries may cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). This
can make a woman sterile or cause a tubal pregnancy. Babies born to
women with untreated Chlamydia often get severe eye and lung
infections.
The doctor told me to follow up. Is this really all that important?

Yes. Clients should return to the clinic for a repeat test to make sure
the Chlamydia has been cured.
Remember
Condom use will help prevent the spread of STIs, HIV and hepatitis B.
If you have any further questions, please see one of the nurses in the
health centre
This information package has been developed by the nurses at Sheridan College, Davis Campus,
April, 2006