Chlamydia

What is it?

Chlamydia is an STI produced by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. Is the most reported bacterial STI in the United States and is common among people ages 15-24.

If it goes untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems. Untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in people with uteruses. Chlamydia can cause inflammation in the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles, among other consequences.

How can someone get it?

People can get chlamydia through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia. People can be infected with chlamydia in their vagina, anus, penis, and throat. It can spread from one part of the body to another. A pregnant person can pass it to their baby during childbirth.

How can it be prevented?
Chlamydia can be prevented by

• using condoms, internal condoms, or dental dams as a barrier between the bodies;
• not having sex or being abstinent;
• getting tested regularly, especially with new sexual partners, to know your status;
• talking openly, honestly, and without judgment with sexual partners about STIs;
• learning how to care of your health.

Symptoms

The majority of people who have chlamydia have no symptoms.

If they do have symptoms, they might be:

A burning feeling when peeing

Discharge (fluid) from the vagina or penis that is different than usual

Discharge or bleeding from the rectum

Who should get tested?
People should get tested if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.

In the following cases, people should get tested soon

If some of the symptoms listed above are noticed.

If other symptoms like bumps, swelling, or sores are noticed.

When someone is pregnant.

When someone has a new sexual partner.

When a sexual partner tells them that they have chlamydia or other STI.

How is it tested?
The test is during a visit to a medical provider and doing a urine test. Another common test is using a swab to get fluid from the throat, vagina, or rectum.

How is it treated?
Chlamydia is an STI that can be cured by antibiotics. It is really important to take all of the medication for it to stop the infection. Even if someone doesn’t have any symptoms, untreated chlamydia can cause serious health problems. Even if someone was treated and cured for chlamydia they can still get chlamydia again, the medication doesn’t prevent it.

Where to get checked?
If you are in Pueblo, Colorado, contact the Family Planning Clinic from Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment.

English: Call (719) 583-4380. Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Español: Llama (719) 583-4376. Lunes a viernes 8:00 AM a 4:30 PM.

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If you are somewhere else in the United States you can find other resources here.