Chlamydia (pronounced kla-MID-ee-ah) is a microorganism that infects both men and women. Chlamydia infections represent a “silent epidemic.” Up to 50% of infected people display no clinical symptoms. This frequent lack of symptoms can make it unrecognizable to both patients and physicians. Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is considered a sexually transmitted infection.

Symptoms

There are often no symptoms associated with chlamydia infections. For this reason, it has sometimes been called “the silent STD.” Some symptoms which do occur may include the following:

For women:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Burning when urinating
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain during intercourse or bleeding after intercourse
• Bleeding between menstrual periods or excessive menstrual flow.

For men:

• Clear or milky white discharge from the penis
• Burning or tingling when urinating
• Pain and swelling in the testicles
• Low-grade fever associated with epididymitis (late symptom)

Even if no symptoms are present, chlamydia infections can create serious health problems. An untreated infection can cause scarring of tubular tissue, leaving men and women with future fertility difficulties and other complications.

Treatment

Because chlamydia is so common, Sindecuse Health Center clinicians will routinely screen for this organism during a woman’s annual pelvic exam. A variety of tests are available to screen for chlamydia. These tests can be used even when there are no symptoms. Typically, a cotton swab is used to collect a specimen from the urethra or the cervix (neck of the uterus). Men are asked not to urinate 3 to 4 hours prior to the medical evaluation as urinating can temporarily wash away the bacteria and make it more difficult to detect infection. Test results are not always absolute due to several variables in the screening process.

The rate of infection on college campuses is higher than in the general population. Though our testing methods may occasionally give us uncertain results, we much prefer to respond by offering the patient appropriate treatment.

Fortunately, chlamydia infections are easily treatable with oral antibiotic therapy. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical factors in minimizing complications. If a test is positive, the patient will be contacted and a prescription for appropriate treatment will be written. Recent sexual contacts need to be notified and they should also obtain treatment. Chlamydia infections must be reported to the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Prevention

The following guidelines may be helpful in preventing a chlamydia infection:

• Eliminate the risk of contracting chlamydia by practicing abstinence (no sexual intercourse).
• Minimize the risk by using protection during sex. Latex condoms, used properly for every sexual encounter, are the best protection. Spermicidal foams and gels and diaphragms offer additional protection, but are less reliable than condoms. They are best used along with condoms, not in place of them.
• If exposure to a chlamydia infection is suspected, see a clinician as soon as possible.
• Follow clinician instructions carefully and take all the prescribed medicine. Don’t stop when symptoms go away. This infection sometimes remains active after symptoms subside. Full recovery depends on a complete dose of the correct medicine.
• Make sure any sexual partners are treated.
• Do not engage in sexual intercourse while taking the antibiotic.
• If taking oral contraceptives, use an additional method of birth control for 14 days beyond completion of the antibiotic. These guidelines are important because the body does not develop immunity to chlamydia infection. A person can be infected with chlamydia more than once.