Facts About Chlamydia
The following list are some Dr. Elist’s points of view relate to facts about chlamydia:
- Most commonly reported STD in the US
- Called the “silent STD” as it often does not show any symptoms
- Transmitted during sexual activity
- Condoms may reduce risk of infection
- Easily treated with antibiotics
- All sexual partners of the last two (2) months should be informed to be tested/treated
- No sexual activity until 7 days after initiation of antibiotic therapy
Main Facts about Chlamydia:
What is Chlamydia?*
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterium. Chlamydia can infect both men and women and can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive organs.
How do people get chlamydia?*
People get chlamydia by having sex with someone who has the infection. “Having sex” means anal, vaginal, or oral sex. Chlamydia can still be transmitted even if a man does not ejaculate. People who have had chlamydia and have been treated can get infected again if they have sex with an infected person.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?*
Chlamydia is known as a ‘silent’ infection because most infected people have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may not appear until several weeks after exposure. Even when it causes no symptoms, chlamydia can damage a woman’s reproductive organs.
Who is at risk for chlamydia?*
Any sexually active person can be infected with chlamydia. It is a very common STD, especially among young people. It is estimated that 1 in 15 sexually active females aged 14-19 years has chlamydia.
Sexually active young people are at high risk of acquiring chlamydia for a combination of behavioral and biological reasons. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are also at risk for chlamydial infection since chlamydia can be transmitted by oral or anal sex.
* Source: CDC[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]