Chlamydia
chlamydia; sexually; transmitted; infections; STI; STD; trachoma; cornea; PID; pelvic; inflammatory; cystitis; std; safer; sex; condom; infertility; infertile; penis; vaginal; discharge; urine;
Contents
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease - a disease that is spread through sexual activity. It is usually spread during unprotected vaginal intercourse, but it can be spread during anal or oral sex.
Chlamydia bacteria can also cause trachoma (an eye disease). Different types of chlamydia bacteria are also found in some animals, eg koalas and birds.
What is chlamydia?
- Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria can cause a sexually transmitted infection of the genital system (including in the penis in men, and the cervix and uterus (womb) in women) and an infection of the eyes which can cause blindness (trachoma).
- Untreated chlamydia in the genital system can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, which is one of the commonest causes of infertility, because it can damage parts of the reproductive system.
For more information about chlamydia
- A condom worn during intercourse provides good protection from chlamydia. Using a water based lubricant reduces friction and makes intercourse more comfortable.
- Make sure young people have information about safer sex and risks of unsafe sex.
- Since chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection, 'safer sex' is important, including the use of condoms.
- Being intimate without sexual intercourse reduces the risk of all sexually transmitted infections.
- Having only one partner, and knowing that you both do not have chlamydia is also protective. Practice safer sex when you have a new partner.
- It is important to not have sexual intercourse during a known infection.
Chlamydia in pregnancy
- If the mother has a chlamydia infection at the time of birth, the infection can be passed to the baby, and some babies will get infections of the eyes (conjunctivitis) or the lungs (pneumonia). These can be serious, but they are treatable.
- Mothers are checked for chlamydia before birth if there is a risk of chlamydia.
Trachoma
- Trachoma is a chronic conjunctivitis (infection of the surface of the eye and eyelids) caused by one of the types of Chlamydia trachomatis.
- It is common in many parts of the world where people live in areas of poor economic conditions where good hygiene is not possible, and often where there are a lot of flies.
- Trachoma is still a major problem amongst Australian Aboriginal people who live in remote areas.
- Trachoma causes scarring of the front of the eye (cornea) and eventually blindness if not adequately treated.
For more information
Better Health Channel (Victoria) 'Trachoma'
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USA) 'Trachoma':
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/trachoma_t.htm
Resources in South Australia
- Clinic 275 (Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Clinic):
275 North Tce, Adelaide
Tel: (08) 8222 5075, Country callers: 1800 806 490
http://www.stdservices.on.net
- SHine SA (Sexual Health information, networking and education, South Australia)
Sexual Healthline - Tel: 1300 883 793, Country callers: 1800 188 171
9 am to 1 pm Monday to Friday
http://www.shinesa.org.au
- Your local or family doctor
- The Second Story Youth Health Service
- Youth Healthline
1300 13 17 19
- Shop Front Youth Health and Information Service, Salisbury - Tel:(08) 8281 1775
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.