A bacterial infection, chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis. The disease is the most widespread sexually transmitted disease in the United States affecting some 3 million annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that 15 - 19-year old girls account for nearly half of all female cases.http://www.drdonnica.com/fastfacts/00002887.htm This means that 1 in every 10 girls tested is infected. The instance of chlamydia is probably as common with men as with women but the fact that men suffer from less complications leads to a lack of testing and a supposed lower rate of occurrence. Most cases of chlamydia are asymptomatic.CDC: STD Facts - Chlamydia

Because infected women and men have no symptoms, chlamydia is called the "silent" disease. However if symptoms do develop, it's usually 1 to 3 weeks after exposure. The bacteria infect the cervix and urethra in women which causes abnormal vaginal or rectal discharge as well as burning or discomfort during elimination. It's possible for the infection to spread to the fallopian tubes and rectum at which point lower abdominal and back pain, nausea, fever, painful intercourse, or intermittent bleeding may occur. For men symptoms might be penal discharge or pain and burning during urination, burning and itching at the shaft of the penis and swelling of the testicles. Anal intercourse can lead to chlamydia in the rectum, causing discharge, pain or bleeding. As with anal intercourse, chlamydia can be found in the throats of those having oral sex and their partners.http://www.cdc.gov/std/Chlamydia/STDFact-Chlamydia.htm

• Most frequently reported bacterial STDCDC: STD Facts - Chlamydia
• Cases: Estimated 2,291,000 (ages 14-39)CDC: STD Facts - Chlamydia
• Cases reported in 2006: 1,030,911CDC: STD Facts - Chlamydia
• Incidence: 1 in 10 female adolescentsASHA: Chlamydia

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Infertility
• Cystitis
• Inflammation of reproductive organs

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have chlamydia, please consult your doctor.