Chlamydia

Background Info Caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomitis Symptoms are mild or absent Can cause serious irreversible complications

Facts In 2006, 3,086,978 Chlamydia infections were reported Why is this number most likely higher?

Symptoms Known as the “silent” disease Symptoms may appear 1-3 weeks after infected In women, infection can spread from cervix to rectum In men, burning and itching near opening of penis Can be found in throats of partners giving oral sex

How do you get it? Teenage girls at high risk  Cervix not completely developed, more susceptible to infection Men having sex with men at high risk  Oral / anal sex

Untreated Chlamydia Women  Causes PID  Can lead to chronic pelvic pain and infertility  5x more likely to contract HIV, if exposed Men  Complications are rare, may cause pain and fever For both, can cause arthritis with skin lesions and eye infections

Diagnosis Urine tests May require specimen from penis or cervix

Treatment Easily treated and cured with antibiotics  Week of doxycycline (2x/day) Abstain from intercourse until treatment is complete Having multiple infections increases a woman’s risk of serious reproductive issues Retesting is important

Prevention Yearly testing  Sexually active women age 25 and younger  Pregnant women  Risky behaviors, women with multiple partners Notify sexual partners within past 60 days

Assignment Write a letter to a friend who is sexually active with multiple partners and does not use protection.  In your letter, include at least 3 dangers of gonorrhea or chlamydia, 2 prevention methods, and 1 treatment option for gonorrhea or chlamydia.  40 points