chlamydia infection in females

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infaction, or STI, caused by the organism Chlamydia trachomatis.

 

Sexually transmitted infection refers to any contagious infection transmitted from one person to another during intimate sexual contact. In women, the infection usually occurs in the urinary tract, vagina, cervix or peritoneal cavity (pelvis). The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the uterus.

 

The organism Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydial infection. The organism is usually passed from one partner to another during intimate sexual contact. An infection can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during birth. This can cause eye infections or pneumonia in the infant.

 

Most chlamydial infections do not cause any symptoms. For this reason, a sexual partner may be exposed without either partner knowing it. They may pass the organism to other unsuspecting partners.

 

Symptoms of a chlamydial infection of the cervix in a female may include the following:

 

Chlamydial infections of the throat usually cause a sore throat. Chlamydial infections of the rectum can cause the following:

 

The organism that causes a chlamydial infection is usually passed from one partner to another during intimate sexual contact. Any other intimate contact of the genitals, mouth, rectal area, or the sharing of sexual toys can transmit the organism from one individual to another.

Several safer sex practices can help prevent the spread of chlamydial infection.

The provider may suspect a chlamydial infection after taking a medical history and performing an examination. The provider may take a sample of material from the infected area to be checked in the laboratory for the organisms that cause the infection.