Chlamydia (klah-MID-ee-uh) is a germ that causes a common
infection in the sex organs of both men and women. It is spread
through vaginal, rectal, or oral sex. Women who don't know they
have chlamydia can pass the infection to their babies during
childbirth.
Causes
Chlamydia infection is caused by
microscopic bacteria.
Signs/Symptoms
Possible symptoms include fever,
stomach pain, and discharge from the penis, anus, or vagina.
Other signs are painful urination and redness or itching around
the penis or vagina. Sometimes the infection causes no symptoms
at all.
Care
A sample of your discharge may be
tested. You will need to take antibiotic medicine to get rid of
the infection.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
It is important to follow your doctor's instructions
for treatment. Take your medicine until it is all gone,
even if you feel well. Not completing the treatment can
result in serious problems. The infection may spread into a
woman's uterus and fallopian tubes and can cause damage
that may make it difficult for her to get
pregnant.
Tell all partners with whom you had sex before
treatment that you have a chlamydia infection. They also
may be infected and need treatment.
Don't have sex while you are being treated. After
that, use a condom. This helps protect against catching or
spreading chlamydia and other
infections.
Women should not douche during
treatment.
Wash your hands often, especially after urinating or
having a bowel movement. Don't touch your eyes with your
hands.
If you are pregnant, be sure to tell you doctor that
you have a chlamydia infection. It may cause labor to begin
too early. Also, babies born to infected mothers may get an
eye or lung infection.
Call Your Doctor If...
Your symptoms last longer than one week or get worse
during treatment.
Your symptoms return after
treatment.
You have any problems that may be related to the
medicine your are taking.
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