Chlamydia

How to Say It: kluh-MID-ee-uh

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STIs).

Causes

Bacteria from an infected sex partner causes the infection. This can happen during oral, genital, or anal sex.

Risk Factors

The infection is most common in people under 24 years old. Other things that may raise the risk are:

Being sexually active
Prior STIs
Having a new sex partner
Having more than 1 sex partner
Having a partner with an STI
Having sex without a condom

Symptoms

Most people do not have symptoms.

In men, symptoms may include:

Pain when passing urine
Pus exiting the penis
Scrotal pain or swelling

In women, symptoms may include:

A change in vaginal discharge
Pain or bleeding during sex or between periods
Belly pain
Vaginal redness or pain
Pain when passing urine

Male Genitourinary System

Female Reproductive System Organs

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Tests for cause of infection may be done with:

A swab of the penis, cervix, throat, or rectum
Urine tests

Treatment

Antibiotics are used to treat the infection. Sexual partners should also be treated or the infection will continue to recur.

Prevention

The risk of this problem may be lowered by:

Abstaining from oral, anal, or genital sex.
Limiting sex to 1 partner
Using latex condoms during sex

RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov

Office on Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.womenshealth.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

The Sex Information & Education Council of Canada
http://sieccan.org

References:

Chlamydia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed October 16, 2020.

Chlamydia fact sheet. Office on Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed October 16, 2020.

Chlamydia genital infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chlamydia-genital-infection. Accessed October 16, 2020.

Workowski KA, Bolan GA; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2015 Jun 5;64(RR-03):1-137.

2015 Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed October 16, 2020.

Last reviewed September 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG
Last Updated: 4/27/2021