Main content Chlamydia

Chlamydia

Topic Overview

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia (say "kluh-MID-ee-uh") is an infection spread through sexual contact. This infection infects the Reference urethra Opens New Window in men. In women, it infects the urethra and the Reference cervix Opens New Window and can spread to the Reference reproductive organs Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Chlamydia does not cause problems if you treat it right away. But left untreated, it can lead to serious problems, especially for women:

If it spreads, it can cause Reference pelvic inflammatory disease Opens New Window. This serious infection can make it hard or impossible for a woman to get pregnant.
Pregnant women who have chlamydia often pass it to their babies at birth. If the infection gets in a baby's eyes, it can cause blindness. They can also have other problems, like Reference pneumonia Opens New Window. Pneumonia can be deadly in a newborn.
Having chlamydia makes a person more likely to get Reference HIV Opens New Window from someone who is infected with HIV. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

What causes chlamydia?

A certain kind of bacteria causes chlamydia. It can spread from one partner to another during vaginal, anal, or possibly oral sex. A pregnant woman can pass the infection to her newborn during delivery.

What are the symptoms?

Most people don't have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include pain when you urinate, cloudy urine, or an abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina.

You can spread chlamydia even if you do not have symptoms. You are contagious until you have been treated.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you questions about your past health and your sexual history, such as how many partners you have. You may also have a physical exam to look for signs of infection.

Several types of tests can be used to diagnose chlamydia. Most use a sample of urine or a swab from the cervix or urethra.

Since chlamydia can cause serious problems but may not cause symptoms, it's a good idea to get tested once a year if you are sexually active and in your mid-20s or younger. Local health departments and family planning clinics usually offer low-cost testing.

How is it treated?

Antibiotics are used to treat chlamydia. It's important to take all of the medicine as directed. Otherwise the medicine may not work. Both sex partners need treatment to keep from passing the infection back and forth.

As soon as you find out you have chlamydia, be sure to let your sex partners know. Experts recommend that you notify everyone you've had sex with in the past 2 months. If you have not had sex in the past 2 months, contact the last person you had sex with.

Having a chlamydia infection that was cured does not protect you from getting it again. If you are treated and your sex partner is not, you probably will get it again.

Some people who have chlamydia also have Reference gonorrhea Opens New Window, another STI.

Finding out that you have an STI may make you feel bad about yourself or about sex. Counseling or a support group may help you feel better.

How can I prevent chlamydia?

It's easier to prevent an STI like chlamydia than it is to treat it:

Don't have more than one sex partner at a time. The safest sex is with one partner who has sex only with you. Every time you add a new sex partner, you are being exposed to all of the infections that all of their partners may have.
Use a condom every time you have sex. Latex and polyurethane condoms keep out the viruses and bacteria that cause STIs.
Be responsible. Don't have sex if you have symptoms of an infection or if you are being treated for an STI.
Wait to have sex with a new partner until both of you have been tested for STIs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning about chlamydia:	Reference What is chlamydia? Reference What causes it? Reference What are the symptoms? Reference What increases my risk of getting it? Reference Who is affected by chlamydia? Reference What other health problems could chlamydia cause? Reference When do I need to see my doctor?
Being diagnosed:	Reference How is chlamydia diagnosed? Reference What tests will I need? Reference Do I need to see a specialist?
Getting treatment:	Reference What treatment will I need? Reference Do I need to take medicine? Reference Is treatment different if I am pregnant? Reference Will treatment cure me?
Ongoing concerns:	Reference Will chlamydia come back?
Living with chlamydia:	Reference How will my sexual relationships be affected? Reference What are common feelings about having chlamydia?

By:	Reference Healthwise Staff	Last Revised: Reference August 7, 2012
Medical Review:	Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Reference Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.