STD - Chlamydia

This Care Guide Covers:

Information about chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

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If not, see these topics

How to PREVENT an STD
PENIS SYMPTOMS (male genital problems)
VULVAR SYMPTOMS (female genital problems)
Questions about GENITAL HERPES, an STD
Questions about GONORRHEA, an STD
Questions about HIV, an STD
Questions about PUBIC LICE, an STD
Questions about TRICHOMONAS, an STD

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
	You were forced to have sex (assault or rape) You are a woman with any of these: Fever and burning (pain) with urination Constant lower stomach pain lasting more than 2 hours Cannot pass urine for more than 4 hours, and bladder feels very full You are a man with any of these: Fever and burning (pain) with urination Fever and testicle pain or swelling Cannot pass urine for more than 4 hours, and bladder feels very full
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think you need to be seen You are a woman with any of these: Burning (pain) with urination Lower stomach pain without a known cause Yellow, green, or gray vaginal discharge Pus (white, yellow) from rectum Bad smelling vaginal discharge Rectal pain or itching that is not normal You are a man with any of these: Burning (pain) with urination Pus (white, yellow) or bloody discharge from end of penis Pus (white, yellow) from rectum Testicle pain or swelling Rectal pain or itching that is not normal
	Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
	You have other questions or concerns You are worried you might have an STD You had sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) with someone who has chlamydia (you will need to be tested and treated)
	Self Care at Home If
	No symptoms Questions about chlamydia

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Causes & Health Information

Some Basics...

Chlamydia is caused by a bacteria.
It can be spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
It can be treated with antibiotics. Until they have been treated, people with gonorrhea can spread it.
Condoms are the only effective way to prevent STDs during sex. Condoms can also be used during oral and anal sex to prevent STDs.

Symptoms in Women

In women, chlamydia can cause an infection of the cervix or the urethra.
Symptoms for women can sometimes be mild. There can be vaginal discharge or burning with urination. Such symptoms can be mistaken for a bladder or vaginal infection.
A woman may also see changes in her period. She may have pain during sex.
75% of all women with chlamydia have no symptoms at all.

Symptoms in Men

In men, chlamydia most often causes urethritis. This is an infection of the urethra of the penis. The urethra is the small tube that carries urine from the bladder, through the penis, and out of the body.
The most common symptoms are white or yellow discharge from the penis. There may also be burning with urination.
50% of all men with chlamydia have no symptoms at all.

Complications

If not treated, chlamydia can cause worse problems.

In women pelvic inflammatory disease can occur. This is an infection of the tubes. This causes scarring of the tubes. As a result, ectopic pregnancy is more likely. This damage to female organs can also result in infertility.
In men, chlamydia can spread and cause epididymitis. This is an infection of a tiny gland next to each testicle.

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Care at
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CARE ADVICE FOR CHLAMYDIA

Chlamydia

What You Should Know:
- Chlamydia is caused by bacteria.
- It is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
- Antibiotic drugs can treat chlamydia.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
How Is It Spread?
- Chlamydia is spread by having sex with someone who has it.
- It can be spread by vaginal, oral or anal sex.
Symptoms:
- It is common to not have any symptoms. A person can have chlamydia and not know it.
- Men: White or yellow discharge from the penis and burning with urination.
- Women: Vaginal discharge or burning with urination. Changes in menstrual period. Pain with sex.
How Long Does It Take for Symptoms to Appear after Exposure?
- Symptoms may not start for days to weeks.
- Sometimes people may be infected but not have any symptoms. This happens more often to women.
Testing:
- The doctor can test your urine for chlamydia.
- Sometimes a swab is taken of the penis, urethra, vagina, throat, or rectum.
- A blood test is not needed.
Treatment:
- Antibiotic drugs can treat chlamydia.
- A person can spread it until he or she has been treated.
- Sexual partners should be tested and treated.
Prevention:
- Remember, using a condom is the only effective way to prevent getting an STD from sex. Condoms can also be used during oral and anal sex to prevent STDs.
- You need testing and antibiotic treatment if you had sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) with someone with chlamydia and did not use a condom.
Pregnancy Test, When in Doubt:
- If there is a chance that you might be pregnant, use a urine pregnancy test.
- You can buy a pregnancy test at the drugstore.
- It works best first thing in the morning.
- Follow all package instructions.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Pregnancy test is positive or you have trouble with the at-home test
- Discharge from penis or vagina is not normal
- You get worse

Hotlines and Internet Resources

United States - STD Hotline:
- American Social Health Association STD Hotline provides information on STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV/genital warts, herpes, and HIV/AIDS. It can provide referrals to local clinics.
- Toll-free number (English): (800) 227-8922
- Toll-free number (Spanish): (800) 344-7432
- Their website is at: http://www.ashastd.org
Internet Resources:
- American Social Health Association: This website has answers to your questions about sexual health and STDs. It can be found at http://www.iwannaknow.org
- STD Treatment Guidelines 2010, Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC): This can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010/default.htm
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Sexual health facts and information can be found at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/faq_e.html

Remember! Call your doctor if any of the "When to Call" symptoms occur.

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STD - Chlamydia
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