What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterial infection. In women, chlamydia causes inflammation of the urethra, cervix, ovaries and uterus; men experience inflammation of the urethra, prostate gland, and testes.

How do I know if I have chlamydia?
Both men and women may experience burning during urination, rectal pain, and unusual discharge or irritation around their genitals. In addition, women may bleed between periods, feel abdominal cramps, or have pain during intercourse. Men may feel pain during ejaculation. Most people with chlamydia, however, have no symptoms and only discover the infection during a routine doctor’s visit.

Is chlamydia serious?
Without treatment, chlamydia causes serious health problems. Between 20% and 40% of women with undiagnosed chlamydia will develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID causes scarring in the uterus, ovaries, or Fallopian tubes, and often results in infertility. In men, untreated chlamydia can result in inflammation of the testicles and infertility.

How can I get chlamydia?
Chlamydia is transmitted by oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. Because chlamydia frequently causes no symptoms, it is possible to have the infection for a long time without realizing one is transmitting it to others.

Is there a cure?
Fortunately there is a cure for chlamydia. A Health Center doctor can prescribe medication for chlamydia infections.

• Visit the Health Center or your family doctor to receive a diagnoses and antibiotic treatment.
• Take all of the medication your doctor prescribed, even if your symptoms are relieved, or the bacteria could reoccur and develop an antibiotic resistance.
• Abstain from oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse until you and your partner(s) have finished treatment. Since partners can reinfect each other, it is important that all partners be treated promptly, even if only one partner shows signs of infection.
• Talk with your doctor about being tested for other STI’s. Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections often occur together.
• Use condoms/latex barriers for oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse once your doctor has confirmed that it is safe to resume sexual activity. Latex barriers are important because chlamydia can be transmitted even if the penis or tongue does not completely enter the vagina, mouth, or rectum.
• Be tested for chlamydia and other STI’s during yearly check ups, such as pap smears. The Health Center provides confidential STI and HIV testing.

If you’ve been diagnosed with chlamydia, the Health Center can help. We have two family physicians who can diagnose and treat chlamydia. You can make an appointment to see the doctor by calling 778-7200. You can also discuss any questions or concerns with the Health Center nurse. The nurse sees students without appointments. The Health Center staff can help you evaluate treatment options, assist with partner notification, and provide emotional support.