The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has this to say about Chlamydia:

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is the most commonly reported notifiable disease in the United States. Chlamydia is usually asymptomatic in both men and women, and as a result, infections often are undiagnosed. Approximately 3 million new infections are estimated to occur each year.”

Chlamydia can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system. If you are a woman, untreated chlamydia can spread to your uterus and fallopian tubes (tubes that carry fertilized eggs from the ovaries to the uterus). This can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID often has no symptoms, however some women may have abdominal and pelvic pain. Even if it doesn’t cause symptoms initially, PID can cause permanent damage to your reproductive system. PID can lead to long-term pelvic pain, inability to get pregnant, and potentially deadly ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus). If you are pregnant and have chlamydia, you can pass the infection to your baby during delivery. This could cause an eye infection or pneumonia in your newborn. Having chlamydia may also make it more likely to deliver your baby too early.

If you are pregnant, you should get tested for chlamydia at your first prenatal visit. Testing and treatment are the best ways to prevent health problems.

While health problems linked to Chlamydia are rarer for men -- infection sometimes spreads to the tube that carries sperm from the testicles, causing pain and fever. Rarely, chlamydia can prevent a man from being able to have children.

It’s particularly important that young people understand how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections, but also what to do if they suspect they’ve been exposed to or contracted an STI. First and foremost – we want young people to know that nonjudgmental, confidential care is available at any Adagio Health Medical Office – and on board our Mobile Health Unit. Our providers are not going to lecture you or embarrass you! They only care about your health and well-being.

Related link: “It’s Safe, It’s Welcoming, It’s Nonjudgmental.” Overcoming Barriers to Reproductive Health (directrelief.org)

Sex education is crucial to ensure good choices are being made when it comes to healthcare. Pennsylvania is one of 21 states that doesn’t mandate any form of sex education, and the area that Adagio Health serves sees high rates of pregnancy and STIs.

Adagio Health’s Senior Director of Family Planning, Linda Snyder says, “Many of our young clients are not as well-equipped to make decisions about their health that can impact them for the rest of their lives.”

Chlamydia can be cured with the right treatment. It is important that you take all of the medication your doctor prescribes to cure your infection. When taken properly it will stop the infection and could decrease your chances of having complications later on. You should not share medication for chlamydia with anyone.

Repeat infection with chlamydia is common. You should be tested again about three months after you are treated, even if your sex partner(s) was treated.

The initial damage that chlamydia causes often goes unnoticed. However, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems. Untreated chlamydia may also increase your chances of getting or giving HIV – the virus that causes AIDS.

If you are sexually active, you are at risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Getting tested is a great way to protect your sexual health. Testing at Adagio Health is simple, quick, and judgement-free. We offer these services for both men and women. You may even qualify for free testing. Call us for more information or to schedule a same-day or next-day appointment (and walk-ins are also welcome!) 1-800-215-7494. You’re welcome here!