STD facts

Chlamydia

What is it?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is recognized as one of the most common and among the most damaging of all STDs in the U.S. today.

Who gets it?

Anybody who has unprotected sex can be infected with chlamydia. Virtually all chlamydia infections are sexually transmitted, except those of newborns, who may acquire the infection from their mother during birth.

What are the symptoms?

In women, the endocervix is the most common site infected by Chlamydia trachomatis. The majority of these infections are asymptomatic (without symptoms). When present, symptoms include vaginal discharge, painful urination, lower abdominal pain or bleeding between menstrual periods. In men, symptoms of chlamydia infection include a urethral discharge.

What is the treatment?

Antibiotics are necessary to treat chlamydia.

What happens if it goes untreated?

A major complication of untreated chlamydial disease in women is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Women who have PID are at risk of suffering from infertility or from experiencing an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, which can be a life-threatening condition. Pregnant women who are infected with chlamydia are at increased risk of preterm delivery. The bacteria may also be transmitted to their newborn and cause pneumonia or an eye infection in the baby. Complications of untreated chlamydial disease in men include epididymitis (inflammation of the testicles) or infertility.

Gonorrhea

What is it?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Who gets it?

Anybody who has unprotected sex can be infected with gonorrhea. Pregnant women who are infected with gonorrhea can also infect their newborns during delivery.

What are the symptoms?