Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Eeyou Istchee. Individuals aged 15 to 29 years old, who are sexually active, are at greater risk of infection. Testing is easy! Treatment is available!
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.
It can be contracted through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected person. Sharing sex toys can also transmit the infection. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth.
Who is at risk of getting chlamydia?
Anyone who is sexually active can become infected with chlamydia, if they have unprotected sex with an infected person.
Chlamydia is most often diagnosed in youths aged 15 to 29.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms do not always appear in patients. They can also appear several weeks after contact with an infected person.
In genital infections, these symptoms may include:
Women
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Discomfort, pain, or a burning sensation when urinating.
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Vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between menstrual periods.
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Vaginal discharge.
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Pain in the abdomen or in the lower back.
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Pain during intercourse.
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Pain, itching, bleeding, and/or mucus discharge of the rectum.
Men
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Itchy urethra.
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Discomfort, pain, or a burning sensation when urinating.
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Clear, watery, or milky discharge from the penis.
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Testicular pain or swelling.
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Pain, itching, bleeding, and/or mucus discharge of the rectum.
How can I prevent chlamydia infection?
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PROTECTION IS KEY
Use a condom (vaginal, anal, and oral penetration) or a dental dam (cunnilingus or anulingus).
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MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS
Talk to your partners about their STI status. If you have a new partner, get tested together.
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EARLY & REGULAR SCREENING ALLOWS FOR EARLY DETECTION
If you are sexually active, get tested every 3 to 6 months.
Chlamydia can also infect the eyes
If you experience:
- bloodshot eyes
- itchiness
- discharges
- crusting of lashes
- swollen lids
- decreased vision
Seek medical attention without delay
Get tested regularly
Did you know?
Chlamydia is known as the “silent disease” as symptoms do not always appear.
It is important to be tested regularly if you are sexually active in order to detect it early and access treatment.
What should I do if I have symptoms?
If you have any of the symptoms listed above, you should seek to be tested at your local CMC (clinic).
Chlamydia: Frequently Asked Questions
In women, untreated chlamydia infections can spread to the cervix, the uterus and the fallopian tubes causing a pelvic inflammatory disease. This can leave a woman with chronic abdominal pain.
Having multiple chlamydia infections can cause damage to woman reproductive organs: scar tissues can develop in the uterus and in the fallopian tubes, leading to an increase risk of ectopic pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies occur when the fetus develops outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are not viable and represent a life-threatening condition requiring a medical evacuation and the removal of the fallopian tube (and the fetus). A woman's capacity to become pregnant is thus severely compromised and reduced by half.
Pregnant women with untreated chlamydia infections may have miscarriages, preterm births, and low birth weights.
In men, if left untreated, chlamydia may spread to the testicles and cause scrotal inflammation. Chlamydia is the first cause of epididymitis in sexually active men below the age of 35. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis that can lead to testicular damage and reduced fertility.
Untreated chlamydia can also cause prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate that can lead to chronic pelvic pain.
Testing is done via urine sample or swab of the infected area. Testing is easy and available at your local CMC (clinic).
Chlamydia infection is treated with oral antibiotics.
