Chlamydia

Transmission:

• Through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• Can be passed from a pregnant person to their baby during childbirth.

Symptoms (if present):

• In women: abnormal vaginal discharge, burning during urination, pain during sex, bleeding between periods.
• In men: discharge from the penis, burning during urination, pain/swelling in one or both testicles.
• In both: rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (from anal sex).

Diagnosis:

• A simple urine test or swab from the genitals.
• Routine screening is recommended for sexually active people under 25 and others at higher risk.

Treatment:

• Easily cured with antibiotics (usually doxycycline or azithromycin).
• Important to abstain from sex for 7 days after starting treatment.
• All sexual partners should be tested and treated.

Complications if untreated:

• In women: pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancy.
• In men: epididymitis, infertility (rare).
• Increased risk of contracting or spreading HIV.

Prevention:

• Use condoms.
• Get regularly tested.
• Communicate with partners about STI status.