What is chlamydia and what part of the body does it affect?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most common bacterial STI in the United States, with an estimated 1.3 million new cases each year.
Chlamydia can affect both men and women. In women, it can infect the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. In men, it can infect the urethra, epididymis, and testes.
Symptoms of chlamydia:
* Women: In many cases, infected women do not experience symptoms. When they do occur, symptoms can include:
* Abnormal vaginal discharge
* Painful or burning sensation during urination
* Lower abdominal pain
* Bleeding between periods
* Men: In many cases, infected men do not experience symptoms. When they do occur, symptoms can include:
* Painful or burning sensation during urination
* Increased frequency of urination
* Discharge from the penis
* Swollen or tender testicles
If you think you may have chlamydia, it is important to see a doctor right away. Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including:
* Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): A serious infection of the female reproductive organs that can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain.
* Epididymitis: An infection of the epididymis, the tube that carries sperm from the testes to the penis. Epididymitis can lead to infertility.
* Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening.
Chlamydia can be prevented by using condoms during sex. If you are sexually active, it is important to get tested for chlamydia and other STIs regularly.