• It is estimated that 2.8 million Americans are infected with Chlamydia each year.
• By 30, 50% of sexually active women have evidence of a Chlamydia infection.
• More than 75% of women with Chlamydia have no symptoms.
  

What is it?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This bacterial disease can cause mild symptoms or none at all, but complications of the infection are very dangerous. For women, irreversible damage such as infertility can occur. Chlamydia can also cause discharge from the penis of an infected male.

Signs and Symptoms

It is estimated that only 50% of men with Chlamydia show symptoms. Men with signs and symptoms might have discharge from their penis or a burning sensation when urinating.

In women, three quarters of women do not show signs of chlamydial infection. Women who do have symptoms might have an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. When the infection spreads from the cervix to the fallopian tubes, some women still have no signs or symptoms; others have lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual periods. 

*Note that if symptoms are to occur, they usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after exposure.

How common is it?

Actually Chlamydia is the most frequently reported sexually transmitted disease in the United States. In 2002, 834, 555 chlamydial infections were reported to the CDC from 50 states and the District of Columbia. It is estimated that 2.8 million Americans are infected with Chlamydia each year.

How do people get Chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and can also be passed on from mother to baby. Any person who is sexually active can get Chlamydia. It has been shown that there is a direct correlation between the number of sex partners and the chance of contracting this infection. Because the cervix of teenage girls and young women is not fully matured, they are at a particularly high risk for infection if sexually active. Since chlaymdia can be transmitted by oral or anal sex, men who have sex with men are also at risk for Chlamydia infection.

Testing and Treatment

There are laboratory tests that can be done to test for Chylamdia infections. Some can be performed by urine analysis or other tests collect a specimen from the cervix or urethra. At GW's Student Health Service we perform urine analysis on males and cervical cultures on females for $60 (Note: the 60$ inludes both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing).

Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured by antibiotics. Testing and treatment are available to please call to set up an appointment.

How Do I Protect Myself?

The surest way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Latex condoms, when used consistently and properly, can reduce the risk of transmission of Chlamydia.

Reference: Information obtained from Center for Disease Control and Prevention.