OverviewChlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection, or STI, caused by the organism Chlamydia trachomatis. Sexually transmitted infection refers to any infection, whether bacterial, viral, or parasitic, transmitted from one person to another during sexual contact.
What is going on in the body?The organism Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia infection. It infects the cells and causes a number of changes. The organism is usually passed from one partner to another during sexual activity. Also, an infection can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during birth.
Chlamydia infections most commonly involve the following parts of the body:
• the urinary tract, cervix, or pelvis in women
• the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the tip of the penis, in men
• the rectum, if anal sex is practiced
• the throat, if oral sex is practiced
• the eyes or lungs in newborns who are exposed to the mother's chlamydia infection during delivery
What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?Many chlamydia infections do not cause any symptoms. For this reason, an individual may pass the infection on to a sexual partner without either partner being aware of it.
A chlamydia infection of the cervix in a female may include the following symptoms:
• vaginal discharge
• mild pain and discomfort when urinating
• abdominal distress, if the infection has spread to the uterus, tubes, or ovaries
• pain in the upper right of the abdomen, if the liver is involved
A chlamydia infection of the urethra in a male may include the following symptoms:
• watery or mucous-like discharge from the penis
• burning or pain with urination
• frequent urination
Chlamydia infections of the throat usually cause a sore throat. Chlamydia infections of the rectum can cause:
• rectal pain
• discharge from the rectum, which may be bloody
• frequent, painful urges to have a bowel movement
A newborn infected with chlamydia may have eye discharge from an eye infection or difficulty breathing because of pneumonia.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
The organism that causes a chlamydia infection is usually passed from one partner to another during sexual activity. Any intimate contact of the genitals, mouth, rectal area, or the sharing of sexual toys can transmit the organism from one individual to another.
What can be done to prevent the infection?
Use of a male or female condom can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of acquiring chlamydia infection from an infected partner. Limiting sexual relations to a mutually faithful, lifelong relationship such as marriage is a more reliable way to prevent infection.
How is the infection diagnosed?
The healthcare professional may suspect a chlamydia infection after taking a medical history and performing an examination. The examiner may take a sample of material from the infected area to be checked in the laboratory for the organisms that cause the infection.
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