Chlamydia who is at risk

A leading indicator of our success is the feedback we get from our patients. Chlamydia is far more common in women than in men. The risk is highest among adolescents and young adults generally up to age 25 , who are more likely to take risks with their sexual behavior. Chlamydia cannot be seen, so you cannot tell if someone has it. Since most people are unaware they are infected, chlamydia can get transmitted from person to person without your knowledge.

Another risk factor for women is cervical ectropion, a condition where cells from inside the cervix are on the outside. Although it usually does not cause problems, it can make you more susceptible to infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Accessed January 29, Chlamydia—CDC fact sheet detailed. Chlamydia genital infection. Chlamydia trachomatis infections: Screening, diagnosis, and management. Am Fam Physician. Chlamydia can usually be treated easily with antibiotics. You may be given a course of doxycycline to take for a week or azithromycin to take once a day for 3 days. If you have doxycycline, you should not have sex including oral sex until you and your current sexual partner have finished treatment.

If you have azithromycin, you should wait 7 days after treatment before having sex including oral sex. It's important that your current sexual partner and any other recent sexual partners you have had are also tested and treated to help stop the spread of the infection.

Unders who have chlamydia should be offered another test 3 to 6 months after being treated. This is because young adults who test positive for chlamydia are at increased risk of catching it again. Sexual health or genitourinary medicine GUM clinics can help you contact your sexual partners. Either you or the clinic can speak to them, or they can be sent a note advising them to get tested. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading chlamydia.

If your or your partner is allergic to latex , you can use polyurethane condoms. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Chlamydia Infections. Learn More Related Issues. See, Play and Learn Images. Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles. Resources Find an Expert. What is chlamydia? How do you get chlamydia? Who is at risk of getting chlamydia?

What are the symptoms of chlamydia? Symptoms in women include Abnormal vaginal discharge, which may have a strong smell A burning sensation when urinating Pain during intercourse If the infection spreads, you might get lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, nausea, or fever.

How is chlamydia diagnosed? Who should be tested for chlamydia? People at higher risk should get checked for chlamydia every year: Sexually active women 25 and younger Older women who have new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted disease Men who have sex with men MSM What other problems can chlamydia cause? The only true cure for this type of infection is antibiotics. But some alternative treatments may help ease symptoms.

Home remedies for chlamydia that may be effective for symptoms, not the infection itself include:. If there are none, they may ask why you have concerns. If symptoms are present, the doctor may perform a physical exam. This lets them observe any discharge, sores, or unusual spots that may be related to a possible infection. The most effective diagnostic test for chlamydia is to swab the vagina in women and to test urine in men. Results may take several days. If the test returns positive, a follow-up appointment and treatment options will be discussed.

STI testing can be done in several ways. Read more about each type and what it will tell your doctor. If a healthcare provider is seen as soon as chlamydia is suspected, the infection will likely clear up with no lasting problems. Some women develop PID, an infection that can damage the uterus , cervix , and ovaries. PID is a painful disease that often requires hospital treatment. Women can also become infertile if chlamydia is left untreated because the fallopian tubes may become scarred.

Pregnant women with the infection can pass the bacteria to their babies during birth, which can cause eye infections and pneumonia in newborns. Men can also experience complications when chlamydia is left untreated. The epididymis — the tube that holds the testicles in place — may become inflamed, causing pain. This is known as epididymitis. The infection can also spread to the prostate gland , causing a fever, painful intercourse, and discomfort in the lower back.

Another possible complication is male chlamydial urethritis. Most people who get treatment quickly have no long-term medical problems. STIs can also be transmitted and contracted during oral sex. Contact with the mouth, lips, or tongue may be enough to transmit chlamydia. If you contract chlamydia from oral sex, you may experience no symptoms. Other STIs can develop in the throat.

Each type of STI in the throat cause unique symptoms and concerns. A chlamydia infection is most common in the genital area, but it can occur in less common places like the anus, throat, and even the eyes.