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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Chlamydia (say "kluh-MID-ee-uh") is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact. It usually infects the urethra or the cervix. If you treat chlamydia, it won't cause problems. But untreated, it can spread and lead to problems like trouble getting pregnant. A certain kind of bacteria causes chlamydia. It can spread from one partner to another through different types of sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you're pregnant and infected, you can pass it to your baby during delivery. Many people don't have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear 1 to 3 weeks after sexual contact with an infected person. Symptoms may include: Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and your sexual history. You may also have a physical exam to look for signs of infection. Several types of tests can diagnose chlamydia. Most tests use a sample of urine or a swab from the cervix, vagina, or rectum. Chlamydia can cause serious problems but may not cause symptoms. That's why it's a good idea to get tested once a year if you are at higher risk for getting chlamydia. Talk to your doctor about what testing is right for you. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Early treatment can cure the infection and help prevent long-term problems. To make sure that the medicine works, you need to take all of it as directed. After you start taking the medicine, you'll need to avoid sex for a week. As soon as you find out that you have chlamydia, be sure to let your sex partner or partners know. Experts recommend that you tell everyone you've had sex with in the past 2 months. If you haven't had sex in the past 2 months, contact the last person you had sex with. You and any sex partners need to take the antibiotics. If only one person takes the medicine, you may keep passing the infection back and forth. Here are some ways to help prevent STIs. Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV. Ask your doctor for more information. Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Chlamydia
Condition Basics
What is chlamydia?
What causes it?
What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?
How is chlamydia treated?
How can you prevent sexually transmitted infections
(STIs)?
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Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.