Chlamydia | HealthInfi

Overview

Genital chlamydia (pronounced kla-mid-ee-uh), a bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacteriumChlamydia trachomatis, is the most frequently reported STD in the United States today.

It occurs most frequently among teenagers and young adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, among females, the highest rates of chlamydia occur in those aged 15 to 24. In 2011, over 1.4 million chlamydia infections were reported to CDC, but an estimated 2.8 million infections occur annually in the United States.

Initially, in females, the bacteria invade cells lining the endocervix (the opening to the uterus). As it spreads into the reproductive tract, it can eventually lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. It has been estimated that chlamydia causes no symptoms in up to 70 percent to 95 percent of females and 90 percent of males. It is sometimes called a “silent” disease. Because chlamydia is usually silent but can lead to serious complications, such as infertility, routine annual screening of all sexually active young females 25 years and younger is recommended.

Chlamydia is very common, particularly in young females. In fact, CDC estimates that 1 in 15 sexually active females aged 14 to 19 years has chlamydia.

When diagnosed, chlamydia is easily treated and cured. Left untreated, it can lead to significant medical problems for females, one of the most serious being pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a generic term indicating various inflammatory disorders of the upper genital tract, including endometritis and tubo-ovarian abscess. Acute PID can be difficult to diagnose. Its signs and symptoms vary widely, and many females have only subtle symptoms.

In addition to PID, chlamydia can lead to proctitis (inflamed rectum) and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye lining). It also increases risk for HIV and other STDs, as well as cervical cancer.

Chlamydia and PID

The following factors may increase your risk for developing PID:

• previous episodes of PID or STDs
• multiple sex partners or a partner with multiple sex partners
• being under age 25
• douching

It’s a common misconception that the use of an intrauterine device (IUD) increases the risk of developing PID. The risk of developing PID is minimally increased during the first 20 days after insertion of the device, but after that time the risk returns to baseline. This risk can be reduced by testing for STDs before IUD insertion and treating appropriately. IUDs are an extremely safe and effective means of preventing pregnancy, with less than 1 percent unintended pregnancies per year.Read More