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Safe sex and sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections

Chlamydia

Caused by a bacterium, chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in sexually active teens and young adults. A person contracts chlamydia by having unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner.

Most people infected with chlamydia have no symptoms. This is particularly true in women. A woman may never know she is infected with chlamydia until she is tested for it or decides to become pregnant and has difficulty trying to conceive a baby. Similarly, men may also have chlamydia and show no symptoms.

For those who do develop symptoms, these usually appear within two to six weeks of having unprotected sexual contact with a person infected with chlamydia.

In women, symptoms may include:

  • unusual discharge from the vagina
  • bleeding or spotting between periods
  • bleeding and/or pain during or after sex
  • lower abdominal pain, sometimes with fever and chills
  • burning during urination (peeing)

In men, symptoms may include:

  • watery, milky drip, and/or discharge from the penis
  • burning during urination (peeing)
  • an itchy feeling inside the penis
  • pain or swelling of the testicles

If you suspect you may have chlamydia, ask your doctor or healthcare professional for a chlamydia urine test. A Pap test, however, does not test for sexually transmitted infections: therefore, in females, a swab may be taken.

Chlamydia is usually treated through the prescription of antibiotics taken by mouth. If you have been diagnosed with chlamydia, be sure to tell your sexual partner(s) to ensure they can receive proper treatment. Avoid having sexual ontact for seven days. If you are going to be re-tested, avoid having sexual contact until you know the results of your second test.

If you are female, you should know that untreated chlamydia can result in pelvic inflammatory disease (or PID). This painful lower abdominal infection can lead to infertility: a woman may never know she is infected with chlamydia until she is tested or decides to have a baby and discovers she has difficulty trying to become pregnant. You should also know that if you are pregnant, you risk passing chlamydia on to your baby during childbirth. As a result, your baby may become more susceptible to eye and/or lung infections.

Abstinence is the best way to prevent the spread of chlamydia. If, however, you are sexually active, be sure to practice safer sex by always using condoms. If you believe you have been infected with a sexually transmitted infection, consult a trained health professional to get tested and treated. Limit your number of sexual partners and be sure to ask your sexual partner about his or her sexual history. Because chlamydia is passed from one infected person to another, avoid having sexual contact with infected persons and be sure to tell your partner(s) if you are infected. Knowledge is power—become educated about chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections. Don't be afraid to ask for the guidance and support you need.

Chlamydia in women

MedicineNet Chlamydia In Women Specialty
MedicineNet Chlamydia In Women Specialty

Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy (STDs)
Title: Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Pregnancy (STDs)
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 1/31/2005 4:59:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 12/9/2010

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Title: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 9/15/2006
Last Editorial Review: 7/21/2010

sulfamethoxazole, Gantanol, Gantanol DS
Title: sulfamethoxazole, Gantanol, Gantanol DS
Category: Medications
Created: 12/31/1997
Last Editorial Review: 7/12/2010

Bacterial Vaginosis
Title: Bacterial Vaginosis
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 11/7/2001 1:44:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 7/9/2010

Aging Swingers at High STD Risk
Title: Aging Swingers at High STD Risk
Category: Health News
Created: 6/23/2010 8:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 6/24/2010

Chlamydia Treated Sooner When Docs Use E-Records
Title: Chlamydia Treated Sooner When Docs Use E-Records
Category: Health News
Created: 5/27/2010 8:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/27/2010

Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men)
Title: Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men)
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 4/4/2000
Last Editorial Review: 5/13/2010

Chlamydia Often Overlooked in Young Men
Title: Chlamydia Often Overlooked in Young Men
Category: Health News
Created: 4/15/2010 12:10:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 4/16/2010

Yearly Chlamydia Screening May Be Ineffective for Some
Title: Yearly Chlamydia Screening May Be Ineffective for Some
Category: Health News
Created: 4/9/2010 10:10:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 4/12/2010

Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs)
Title: Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Women (STDs)
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 12/31/1997
Last Editorial Review: 4/1/2010

Urethral Stricture
Title: Urethral Stricture
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 3/23/2010 4:39:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 3/24/2010

Safe Sex for Grown-Ups
Title: Safe Sex for Grown-Ups
Category: Health Facts
Created: 3/16/2010 3:45:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 1/22/2010

Sexually transmitted infections

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