Chlamydial Infections*

In the United States, chlamydial genital infection occurs frequently among sexually active adolescents and young adults. Asymptomatic infection is common among both men and women. Sexually active adolescent women should be screened for chlamydial infection at least annually, even if symptoms are not present. Annual screening of all sexually active women aged 20--25 years is also recommended, as is screening of older women with risk factors (e.g., those who have a new sex partner and those with multiple sex partners). An appropriate sexual risk assessment should always be conducted and may indicate more frequent screening for some women.

• Chlamydia is a curable infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, and, although less likely, oral sex.
• Most women and some men do not experience symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after infection.
• Since symptoms may not be present, the only way for a person who has been at risk for chlamydia to tell whether they're infected is to be tested.
• A person with chlamydia must be considered infectious from the time they become infected until treatment is completed.
• Chlamydia can be diagnosed through a urine test or by taking a specimen from the infected area.
• If left untreated, chlamydia can cause complications such as PID and infertility.
• Chlamydia can be transmitted even if the penis or tongue does not enter the vagina, mouth, or rectum. Using latex condoms consistently and correctly - from the very beginning of sexual contact until there is no longer skin contact - reduces the risk of transmission of chlamydia

*From the American Social Health Association: [http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_chlamydia_facts.cfm]