What is it?
Chlamydia is a common STD that can infect both men and women. It can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible for her to get pregnant later on. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).
What to watch for.
- Symptoms show up after 7-28 days after infection.
- Burning when urinating
- Discharge from genitals
- Bleeding between periods (for women)
- Pain during sex
- Watery, white drip from penis
- Need to urinate more often
- Pain in abdomen, sometimes with fever & nausea
- Swollen or tender testicles
How do you get it?
Spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia.
What happens if you don’t get treated?
- You can give chlamydia to your sex partner(s).
- Can lead to more serious infection. Reproductive organs can be damaged.
- Women and possibly men may no longer be able to have children.
- A mother with chlamydia can give it to her baby during childbirth.
Can it be cured?
Yes.
Is there a vaccination?
No.