chlamydia - a sexually transmitted infection

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that infects both men and women. It is usually spread when an infected person has vaginal, oral or anal sex without a condom.
It can also infect the eyes or lungs of babies who are born when the mom has chlamydia.
How do I know if I have it?
Most women and many men will have NO signs or symptoms of this infection.
Women May Notice
- a new or different discharge from the vagina,
- burning when passing urine,
- itchy or sore vaginal area,
- pain during sex,
- unusual vaginal bleeding, or
- lower abdominal pain.
Men May Notice
- discharge from the penis,
- burning when passing urine,
- sore or itchy penis, or
- pain in the testicles.
WHAT can it do to me?
In women, untreated chlamydia may cause:
- pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which causes lower abdominal pain, fever and
aches, and can lead to…
- tubal pregnancy, or the inability to have children at all.
These conditions can be severe enough to result in hospitalization.
In men, untreated chlamydia may cause:
- pain or swelling of the testicles,
- difficulty getting a partner pregnant.

Can it be treated? YES
All people who have chlamydia or have sex with a person who has it should be treated with a SINGLE dose of an antibiotic. This will usually CURE the infection, especially if BOTH partners are treated at the same time. You may also be given pills for another STI called gonorrhea, which people may have at the same time as chlamydia.
Treatment is free for both you and your partner.
After treatment, you should not have sex for five to nine days. If you do have sex during this time, BE SURE TO USE A CONDOM.
Can I get it more than once? YES
You need to go to your doctor or health care practitioner to be treated EVERY TIME you come in contact with it.
REMEMBER…
Using a latex condom EVERY TIME you have sex can protect you from chlamydia and other
STIs, including AIDS.

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