Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Both males and females may have this infection. However, they may not have symptoms. As a result, you may become infected or pass the infection to your partner without knowing it.

You are more likely to become infected with chlamydia if you have:

• Sex without using a condom
• Had multiple sexual partners
• Been infected with chlamydia before

Most women do not have symptoms. But some have:

• Burning when they urinate
• Pain in the lower part of the belly, possibly with fever
• Painful intercourse
• Vaginal discharge or bleeding after intercourse

If you have symptoms of a chlamydia infection, your health care provider will collect a culture or perform a test called a nucleic acid amplification test.

In the past, testing required a pelvic exam by a health care provider. Today, very accurate tests can be done on urine samples. Vaginal swabs, which a woman collects herself, can also be tested. Results take 1 to 2 days to come back. Your provider may also check you for other types of STIs. Most common STIs are:

• Gonorrhea
• HIV/AIDS
• Syphilis
• Hepatitis
• Herpes

Even if you have no symptoms, you may need a chlamydia test if you:

• Are 25 years old or younger and are sexually active (get tested every year)
• Have a new sexual partner or more than one partner

Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. Some of these are safe to take if you are pregnant. Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea

Both you and your partner need to take the antibiotics. Finish all of them, even if you feel better and still have some left. All of your sexual partners must take the antibiotics. Have them take the medicines even if they do not have symptoms. This will prevent you from passing the STIs back and forth.

Gonorrhea often occurs with chlamydia. Therefore, treatment for gonorrhea is often given at the same time.

Safe sex practices are needed to prevent becoming infected with chlamydia or spreading it to others.

Antibiotic treatment almost always works. You and your partner should take the medicines as directed.

If chlamydia spreads into your uterus, it can cause scarring. Scarring can make it harder for you to get pregnant. You can help prevent this by:

• Finishing your antibiotics when you are treated
• Making sure your sexual partners also take antibiotics
• Talking to your provider about being tested for chlamydia and seeing your provider if you have symptoms
• Wearing condoms and practicing safe sex

Make an appointment with your provider if you have symptoms of chlamydia.