Chlamydia
chlamydia; sexually; transmitted; disease; youth; teenager; infections; infection; trachoma; PID; pelvic; inflammatory; infertility; infertile; discharge; penis; vagina; vaginal; urine; burning; sex;
Contents
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. It often occurs in young adults, and affects both women and men. It is being found more and more commonly each year.
Many people who have chlamydia do not know that they are affected, and pass on the infection when they have unprotected sex.
Chlamydia can cause very serious long-term problems if it is not found and treated early. Fortunately, treatment is simple and effective. In women, if the infection is not treated, it can spread up through the uterus to the tubes that go to the ovaries (fallopian tubes). The infection can damage the tubes, blocking them so that the woman becomes infertile (cannot get pregnant), or if she does get pregnant, the baby may develop outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) which can be life-threatening.
People who live in arid areas, where there are a lot of flies and not enough water for good hygiene, can get a different type of chlamydia in the eyes (called trachoma) which can cause blindness.
Warning:
If you suspect you have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), don't give it to others - get tested and treated quickly.
Department of Health, South Australia 'You've got what - Chlamydia trachomatis infection' 2009 http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/ygw/chlamydia-pehs-sahealth-2009.pdf
Sexual Health Information Networking and Education (SHine SA).
Sexually transmitted infections
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Services (Clinic 275). 'Chlamydia':
http://www.stdservices.on.net/publications/pdf/Chlamydia.pdf
- Don't have sex if you know you have chlamydia - get it treated first.
- Use a condom. A condom worn during intercourse provides good protection from chlamydia. Using a water based lubricant at the same time reduces friction, which prevents the condom from breaking and makes sex more comfortable and pleasurable.
- You could also try other sexual activities that don't involve intercourse (see the topic 'Safer sex').
- Be tested for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.
Resources in South Australia
- The Second Story Youth Health Service (TSS)
- Central: 57 Hyde St, Adelaide
- South: 50a Beach Rd, Christies Beach
- North: 6 Gillingham Rd, Elizabeth
- West: 51 Bower St, Woodville
- Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19,
- Clinic 275 (Sexually Transmitted Diseases Services)
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 information South Australia)
Sexual Healthline - Tel: 1300 883 793 (9am to 1pm Monday to Friday)
Country callers - Tel: 1800 188 171
http://www.shinesa.org.au/
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 Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).