Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease, or STD caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis and it can infect both men and women. In the United States, chlamydia is the most common STD reported among sexually active individuals. With early detection, it's relatively easy to treat. However, many people contract chlamydia without showing any symptoms. Asymptomatic people are at risk of spreading the infection and developing complications from untreated chlamydia.
Left untreated, women with chlamydia can develop reproductive issues. Men aren't as likely to develop long-term complications, but they can still experience uncomfortable symptoms and continue to infect future partners if they don't receive treatment. Therefore, it's extremely important for everyone to be educated about their own infection risk, especially if they are sexually active.
Chlamydia can only be contracted through sexual contact, which includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex. This is because C. trachomatis mainly targets and infects the cells lining the cervix and vaginal walls of women and the urethra and rectum of both sexes.
To contract chlamydia, one must experience genital-to-genital contact with someone who already carries the infection, and infection can occur whether ejaculation takes place or not. Chlamydia via oral sex is rare because the bacteria prefers the reproductive tract over the mouth or throat. However, people can still contract chlamydia orally if they have a cut or sore in their mouth, which provides a pathway for the bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Pregnant women who test positive for chlamydia are at an increased risk of premature labor. If they have the STD at the time of labor, the baby can develop conjunctivitis or pneumonia from a vaginal delivery.
Chlamydia can't be spread through saliva, physical touch, or sharing space with someone with the STD. Therefore, kissing, hugging, and holding hands are safe to practice between infected and non-infected individuals. Contrary to popular belief, chlamydia doesn't live on solid, non biological surfaces, so the fear of catching an STD from public toilets is largely unfounded.
Most people with chlamydia don't show any symptoms at all. For people who do show symptoms, the first signs don't appear until several weeks or even months after the initial infection. For this reason, chlamydia is also known as a "silent" infection.
Potential Signs in Women:
Potential Signs in Men:
Chlamydia can easily be treated with a course of antibiotics that are specifically formulated for it. As with all antibiotics, it's vital to finish the entire course to ensure the infection is eradicated completely. It's just as important to abstain from sexual activities until treatment has been completed and a healthcare provider has cleared the patient for intercourse. In most cases, people are allowed to resume sexual activity one week after finishing their treatment.
Unfortunately, people can contract chlamydia more than once, even if they've already experienced and recovered from it. This is one reason why doctors recommend using protection and getting tested regularly for anyone who is sexually active.
