Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. In 2008, 1,210,523 chlamydial infections were reported to CDC from 50 states and the District of Columbia. Under-reporting is substantial because most people with chlamydia are not aware of their infections and do not seek testing. Also, testing is not often done if patients are treated for their symptoms. An estimated 2,291,000 U.S. citizens ages 14-39 are infected with Chlamydia based on the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. 

Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, It can cause discharge from the penis of an infected man by affecting the urethra (the tube where your pee leaves the body).

Chlamydia can also be in the throat or anus. 

Many people don't notice symptoms.  But 10 to 20 days after getting infected you might notice:

Chlamydia in the penis:
    * a watery, white discharge from the penis or anus
    * burning or pain when urinating (peeing)
    * need to urinate (pee) more often
    * burning and itching around the opening of the penis
    * pain in the anus or testicles (balls)

Chlamydia in the anus:
    * there may be rectal pain, discharge, anal itching, soreness, bleeding, or painful bowel movements, but usually you won't notice symptoms. 

In the throat it can sometimes cause a sore throat.

Through unprotected:
    * Anal sex: topping or bottoming
    * Oral sex: sucking or being sucked
    * Rimming (Oral-anal sex)

Ejaculation (coming) does not have to occur for chlamydia to be transmitted or acquired.

Using a condom correctly greatly reduces the risk that chlamydia is picked up or passed on since chlamydia is passed by sexual fluids.

The surest way to prevent chlamydia is to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with only one sex partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. Avoiding alcohol and drug use may also help prevent transmission of chlamydia because these activities may lead to risky sexual behavior.  It is also important that you have good communication with your sex partners. 

**REMEMBER: Using a condom correctly greatly reduces the risk of chlamydia being picked up or passed on since chlamydia is spread by sexual fluids.

It is diagnosed by testing a sample of your urine or taking a swab from the infected area.

You'll be given antibiotics to take.  Several antibiotics can successfully cure chlamydia in adolescents and adults. 

Untreated chlamydia can cause serious damage to your testicles (balls) (also known as epididymitis), arthritis and prostatitis (long-term inflammation inside the anal canal).

No-one is immune to chlamydia.  If you've had it before, you can get it again.

Info from CDC and THT

Page last updated:  02/05/13