Chlamydia : Articles

Chlamydia is a disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is most commonly sexually transmitted.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States, with about three million new cases diagnosed in the country each year. The disease is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis . The following areas in the body can be affected: cervix fallopian tubes, which carry ova (eggs) from the ovaries to the uterus urethra, which carries urine from the bladder to outside the body epididymis, a small organ attached to the testicles that is responsible for sperm production prostate gland, a gland at the base of the penis which provides nutrients for sperm anus throat eyes In addition, Chlamydia trachomatis also causes lung and eye infections in newborns whose mothers have a chlamydial infection during the last part of their pregnancy .

Chlamydia infection is a very common STD. Because most people do not have symptoms, chlamydia may not be noticed until it causes severe problems. Left untreated, this STD can cause women and men to become sterile.

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, is more common than gonorrhea, affecting 35% and 8% of sexually active adolescents, respectively. Adolescent girls are at especially high risk for infection with chlamydia. Because chlamydia causes no symptoms in half of infected adolescents, it often goes untreated. For this reason, screening for chlamydia should be routine for all sexually active adolescents.

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis , a bacterium. Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. An estimated 3 million Americans are infected with chlamydia each year. Three-quarters of infected women and half of infected men have no symptoms. Sexually active girls and young women are especially susceptible to chlamydia because the cells that form the lining of the immature cervix are easily invaded by the bacteria. Women with symptoms might have an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. When the infection spreads from the cervix to the fallopian tubes, some women still have no symptoms; others have lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, and bleeding between menstrual periods. Whenever the infection spreads past the cervix, permanent and irreversible damage can occur to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and tissues surrounding the ovaries. This damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy. Widely available laboratory tests can accurately detect chlamydia bacteria in a urine sample. Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Persons who engage in sexual behaviors that place them at risk of STDs should use latex or polyurethane condoms every time they have sex, limit the number of sex partners, and not alternate partners. All young, sexually active, unmarried persons who do not use condoms every time they have sex should be screened for chlamydia yearly. Infected persons should notify all sex partners so they can receive treatment. A LLISON L. G REENSPAN J OEL R. G REENSPAN ( SEE ALSO : Sexually Transmitted Diseases )