What is Chlamydia?

This page was reviewed or revised on Saturday, October 26, 2002.

Chlamydia is a serious infection that is spread by having sex with an infected person. It is much more common than gonorrhea.

What are the symptoms?

Both men and women may not have any symptoms at all.

Some females may have a vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding in the middle of a menstrual cycle or after intercourse or pain deep inside during intercourse (sex). As many as 80% of infected females have no symptoms when they have Chlamydia.

What can it do to me?

Untreated Chlamydia in women can cause "Pelvic Inflammatory Disease" (PID), a very serious infection of the reproductive organs (uterus and fallopian tubes). This can lead to sterility (the inability to have children) as well as other very serious complications. These complications can be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment.

Men rarely become sterile from Chlamydia, but they can have some very painful complications such as swelling of the testicles and arthritis of the joints.

Could I give it to others?

Yes, but only to your sex partners. You are infectious (capable of giving the disease) from the moment you pick it up. Most females however do not have early symptoms so it is difficult to know if or when you have given it to others.

It is important that partners be informed of the possibility of infection and treated as soon as possible. If you do not feel comfortable telling your sex partners, a public health nurse will help to locate them for you.

How is it treated?

Chlamydia is treated with certain types of antibiotics. Penicillin will not cure Chlamydia. It is important to follow the instructions given with your medication. The disease will not be cured until all the pills have been taken as prescribed.

Does the treatment work?

Generally, yes. The only way to be sure is to have another test (called a test of cure) after the treatment has been completed. Females should have another test done one (1) month after finishing the medication, preferably after her next period. Males should also be retested in one (1) month.

When can I have sex again?

After your test has shown you are free of disease.

It is very important to avoid sex while taking the medication. You may have sex again only when your test of cure is negative and your partner(s) are free of infection.

How can I avoid getting Chlamydia?

The only way to avoid Chlamydia is by not having sex at all. If you are having sex, make sure a latex condom is used every time.

Also, be certain your partners have been notified of the infection so they too can be treated.