Chlamydia is the number one bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Over four million new cases occur each year. It's particularly common among teens and young adults. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which is caused by chlamydia, is a leading cause of infertility when left untreated.
Chlamydia is known as the silent disease because 3/4 of the women and 1/2 of the men who have the disease have no symptoms. Symptoms include a burning sensation while urinating, lower abdominal pain, and pain during intercourse.
There has been a lot of progress in treatment of Chlamydia with antibiotics over the last few years. Azithromycin is the most commonly used and most effective treatment.
Chlamydia is contracted through unprotected sex. Ways to prevent the disease include limiting your number of sexual partners, using condoms, and avoiding sexual contact if you think you might have the disease. |
