| Basic Information |
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| Description |
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Chlamydia are intracellular parasites that have many of the same physical
characteristics of viruses. They cause inflammation of the urethra (the
tube that allows urine from the bladder to pass outside the body),
vagina, cervix, uterus) fallopian tubes, anus and ovaries. This is a
common sexually transmitted disease. Chlamydia infection may also be
transmitted to the eyes or lungs of a newborn infant. If Chlamydia are
found by microscopic exam and culture of discharge in any person who is
sexually active, all sexual partners must be treated.
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| Frequent Signs and Symptoms |
- Sometimes no symptoms during early stages.
- Vaginal discharge.
- Urethral discharge (males).
- Anal swelling, pain or discharge.
- Reddening of the vagina or tip of the penis (males).
- Abdominal pain.
- Fever.
- Discomfort on urinating.
- Genital discomfort or pain.
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| Causes |
Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria spread by:
- Vaginal sexual intercourse.
- Rectal sexual intercourse.
- Oral genital contact.
- Vaginal infection during delivery of a newborn,
which may infect the baby.
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| Risk Increases With |
- Unprotected sexual activity, particularly in young females.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- General poor health.
- Hot weather, nonventilating clothing (especially underwear)
, or any other condition that increases genital moisture, warmth
and darkness. These foster the growth of germs.
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| Preventive Measures |
- Use of condoms during sexual activity.
- Treatment of all sexual partners of any infected person (usually
2 weeks of an oral antibiotic such as tetracycline).
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| Expected Outcome |
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Complete cure with adequate antibiotic treatment.
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| Possible Complications |
- Sterility in female.
- Infecting one's sexual partner.
- Secondary bacterial infections in pelvic organs, genitals or rectum.
- May complicate pregnancy.
- Liver infection (perihepatitis).
- Reiter's syndrome.
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| Treatment/Post Procedure Care |
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| General Measures |
- Diagnostic tests may include vaginal smear, rectal smear and
urethral smear for laboratory analysis.
- Keep the genital area clean. Use plain unscented soap.
- Take showers rather than tub baths.
- Wear cotton underpants or pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Avoid
those made from nonventilating materials, such as nylon.
- Don't sit around in wet clothing, especially a wet bathing suit.
- After urination or bowel movements, cleanse by wiping or washing
from front to back (vagina to anus).
- Lose weight if you are obese.
- Avoid douches.
- If you have diabetes, adhere strictly to your treatment program.
- Avoid pants that are tight in the crotch and thighs.
- Change tampons frequently.
- If urinating causes burning, urinate through a tubular device,
such as a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the bottom cut out,
or pour a cup of warm water over the genital area while urinating.
- A follow up medical examination is necessary after completing
the prescribed treatment.
- Testing for other sexually transmitted diseases is recommended.
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| Medication |
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Oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, taken for 2 weeks.
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| Activity |
- Avoid overexertion, heat and excessive sweating.
- Delay sexual relations until treatment is completed and
symptoms are gone.
- Allow about 3 weeks for recovery.
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| Diet |
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No special diet
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| Notify Your Healthcare Provider If |
- You or a family member has symptoms of Chlamydia infection.
- Symptoms persist longer than 1 week or worsen despite treatment.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling develops.
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