Chlamydia is a venereal disease that can affect both women and men. It is caused by an infection from the bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis. There are often no symptoms until serious complications have developed deeper in the reproductive system. Chlamydia is easily transferred from one partner to the next by both men and women.
Symptoms
Chlamydia can cause an infection in the throat, vagina and anus. Each has its own set of symptoms. However, often there are no symptoms at all. Symptoms, if present, may begin 1 to 3 weeks after the contracting the infection. Symptoms that may be present in the vagina include discharge and pain while urinating. Symptoms elsewhere in the body include abdominal pain and fever.
Prevalence
Chlamydia is the most common reported sexually transmitted disease. There are almost 3 million new cases reported in the United States every year. The age group with the highest risk of chlamydia infections is 15- to 19-year-olds. The second highest risk group are from 20- to 24-years-old.
Prevention and Treatment
The only way to prevent chlamydia is to abstain from sexual activities until both partners have been tested and the test results are negative. When used properly during vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact, condoms can provide protection against contracting chlamydia. However, the use of a condom does not provide complete protection.
Treatment for chlamydia is a course of antibiotics prescribed by a physician.
Warning
If you notice any of the possible symptoms of chlamydia, seek testing with your primary care physician. If chlamydia is left untreated, serious reproductive impairment may result. Untreated chlamydia can cause sterility in both females and males. Untreated chlamydia is also the cause of up to 40 percent of the cases of pelvic inflammatory disease. If you are sexually active with more than one partner, or your partner has more than one partner, routine testing for chlamydia is highly recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for this easily curable sexually transmitted disease.
Research for Immunization
Currently, there is research being done to develop an immunization for all 15 strains of chlamydia. Some studies have been completed that can prevent cells from becoming infected with the bacteria.
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