Chlamydia

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a serious bacterial sexually transmitted infection.  It is very common, especially among teenagers and young adults. It may cause a discharge from the vagina, or pain when passing urine. Most women and some men have no signs of the disease.

How Did I Get It?

By direct contact, usually sexual, with an infected person.

What Can It Do To Me?

In women, chlamydia can cause a serious infection of the womb and tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease). It can lead to sterility and ectopic or tubal pregnancy. Early treatment can protect against these problems. Women can infect their newborn babies. Men can get infection of the urinary tract.

How is it Treated?

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. It is important that you take the pills as directed. The disease may not be cured until all the pills are taken. Do not drink alcohol when taking antibiotics.

Does The Treatment Work?

Usually yes. To be certain, your doctor or clinic may do a follow-up test about one month after you finish the medicine.

Could I Give It To Other People?

Yes. You can infect another sex partner as soon as you get chlamydia. Most women and some men do not have early signs of the disease, so it is hard to know if you have given it to others.

A pregnant woman can also pass on the infection to her baby as it is being born. This can lead to infection of the eyes and lungs in the infant.

It is important to inform people you have had sex with during the past one to three months because they may have the disease and not know. They need treatment. Your public health nurse will contact your partner(s) if you prefer. Your name will be kept confidential.

When Can I Have Sex Again?

After you and your sex partner(s) have finished treatment, and your doctor or clinic says you are no longer infectious (able to spread the disease to others).

Is Follow-Up Important?

Yes, it is important for you to return for follow-up to make sure your infection has been cured.

Remember: