Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in Australia, especially among young people.
Cause:
A bacterium called Chlamydia Trachomatis.
Chlamydia infects the neck of the womb (cervix) in women and the tube inside the penis (urethra) in men. Sometimes it can infect the throat and anus of either sex.
If left untreated, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women which can lead to chronic pain and/or the inability to get pregnant.
Symptoms:
Women may have no signs or symptoms with chlamydia. Sometimes there is an unusual vaginal fluid (discharge) or a burning sensation when urinating or vaginal bleeding after sex. Deep pain during vaginal sex may also be a sign of chlamydial infection in women.
Men may have no signs or symptoms either. There may be a white or clear fluid (discharge) from the penis and/or discomfort during urination.
How is it spread?:
Chlamydia is spread by having vaginal or anal sex without a condom, with someone who has chlamydia. It can also be spread by oral sex.
Treatment:
If noticed early, chlamydia can be treated with a single dose of antibiotic. Complicated chlamydial infections and PID in women may need longer courses of antibiotics.
Partners of people with chlamydia also need to be treated as they may also be infected. If they are not treated you can get re-infected.
Prevention:
Always use condoms for vaginal and anal sex and remember that chlamydia can also infect the throat so using a condom/dam for oral sex is also advisable.
(Sourced from Sexually Transmissible Infections: Treatment is good/prevention is best, DHS 2003)