Family Tree Clinic

STIS and HIV

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by chlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium, which can damage reproductive organs. Because symptoms of chlamydia are often mild or absent, serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur “silently” before anyone ever recognizes a problem.

How Do People Get It?

Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. chlamydia can also be passed from an infected birth parent to the newborn during vaginal childbirth.

How Can It Be Prevented?

By practicing safer sex, like using condoms.

What are the Symptoms?

This sneaky bacterium typically causes no symptoms for most people. Chlamydia doesn’t always cause symptoms right away, but it can lead to long term pelvic pain or infertility (a person not being able to have kids) if it goes untreated. Fortunately, the test is easy (just a little bit of pee) and we can cure it with antibiotics.

How is It Treated?

Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. A single dose of azithromycin or a week of doxycycline (twice daily) are the most commonly used treatments. All sex partners must also be treated. People should abstain from sex for 7 days after treatment to avoid spreading the infection.