Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection passed on by unprotected sexual contact. It can infect the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, urethra, rectum, testes, scrotum and less commonly the throat.

Symptoms

Symptoms mainly occur within 2-14 days of infection (but it may take as long as 21 days) and may include:

Women

• abnormal vaginal or rectal discharge
• unusual bleeding (sometimes after intercourse)
• pelvic pain
• pain through intercourse or passing urine

Men

• a creamy discharge from the urethra
• stinging when urinating
• tickling along the shaft of the penis

Most commonly, however, there are no symptoms of Chlamydia – which is why it is important to have regular sexual health checks.

Treatment

• Chlamydia can be successfully treated with antibiotics

Prevention

• Using a condom and/or dental dam will reduce the risk of infection
• Regular sexual health checks

Note:

• If left undiagnosed, Chlamydia may lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause infertility.

This is only a brief overview and should not substitute for professional medical advice. The Melbourne Sexual Health Centre has information about Chlamydia here:
http://www.mshc.org.au/Portals/_default/uploads/fact_sheets/chlamydia_a4.pdf

More detailed information about Chlamydia is available from the Victorian Department of Human Service Public Health website:
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/diseases/chlam_facts
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/bluebook/chlamydia