Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It can be transmitted during vaginal, oral, or anal sex, and is the most frequently reported bacterial STI in the United States.
Since symptoms are usually absent or very mild, preventive screening is needed to avoid serious complications that could cause irreversible damage. To help avoid serious consequences from untreated Chlamydia, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening at least annually in all
sexually active women aged 24 and younger; older women with identified risk factors (new sex partner or multiple sex partners), as well as all pregnant women.
Untreated infection can spread into the upper genital tract and cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, the uterus, and surrounding tissues. This damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus), or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in approximately 10 to 15% of women. Chlamydia may increase the chance of becoming infected with HIV, if exposed. It also may result in adverse outcomes of pregnancy, such as neonatal conjunctivitis and pneumonia.
If you fall into the above identified groups for screening, your clinician will collect a specimen for Chlamydia testing during your annual wellness exam, initial visit for pregnancy, and/or if you present with complaint of a possible infection.
