Chlamydia
By: Brooke C
Definition
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria called Chlamydia Trachomotis. It is one of the most common STD's.
Transmission
It is transmitted when bacteria moves from one person to another through sexual intercourse. Chlamydia can possible be transmitted through oral genital contact. It can also be passed from a mother to her baby while being delivered. A Chlamydia eye infection is also possible to get.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Chlamydia can take up to 1-3 weeks to show up.
Symptoms for girls
- infection of the urethra
- inflammation of the cervix
- PID- Infections to the uterus, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes
- later can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancies
- inflammation of the urethra and epididymis (which helps transports sperms)
Treatments
- visit a doctor
- anyone you have had sex with in the past 2 months will have to be tested as well
- they will take a test or urine exam (whatever they feel is best)
- can prescribe antibiotics which will clear infections in 7-10 days
Problems
- It is very hard to know if someone has Chlamydia
- You can become infected over and over again- you cannot become immune to it
Prevention
- Use a latex condom (helps prevent Chlamydia)
- To completely prevent it, abstain from all sexual intercourse