Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted bacterial of the vagina, penis, anus or throat. Chlamydia is the number one most reported STI among youth in the United States.

Transmission

Chlamydia is spread through vaginal fluids and semen. People get Chlamydia through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom or dental dam.

Learn More

For detailed information on each infection, check of the Center for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/std/. You can also ask us an anonymous question right on our website. If you are experiencing symptoms of an STI, think you’ve been exposed to an STI, or want to talk to a professional, call Teen Clinic to make an appointment with a qualified health care provider.

Symptoms & Complications

Most people don’t have any symptoms. Half of men and one in three women do not experience symptoms. For people who do get symptoms, it can include:

• painful urination
• painful ejaculation
• pelvic pain
• unusual discharge

Like all bacteria, Chlamydia will multiply when left untreated. If an infected person does not get tested and treated, the infection can spread in their bodies causing irreversible damage to their reproductive organs and can lead to infertility. Chlamydia will get worse if untreated even if a person never experiences symptoms.

Testing

If you are thinking about becoming sexually active or already are, it’s important to get tested. Because Chlamydia does not always show symptoms, it can be really difficult to know when someone is infected. Teen Clinic tests for Chlamydia by collecting cells from the vaginal wall or collecting urine from guys and girls – it’s that simple! Results are available within a few days.

Treatment

Chlamydia is curable and treatable with antibiotics. It’s important to finish the entire course of medication, even if symptoms go away.