What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common STI that can cause permanent damage to the reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible to get pregnant in the future. It can also cause ectopic pregnancy, which is a serious and potentially fatal pregnancy outside the womb.

Chlamydia is curable with the right treatment, and when taken properly, treatment will stop infection and decrease your chance of complications later on.

Who is at risk for chlamydia?

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of chlamydia. However, sexually active young people tend to be at a higher risk.

For more information on getting tested for chlamydia, check out our testing quiz.

How is chlamydia transmitted?

Chlamydia is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. If your partner has a penis, they can transmit chlamydia even if they do not ejaculate.

An infected pregnant person can also transmit chlamydia to their baby during childbirth.

How many people are living with chlamydia?

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial STI in the US. In 2019, about 400 out of every 100,000 men and 700 out of every 100,000 women reported a chlamydia infection.

Oklahoma had 21,974 reported cases of chlamydia in 2018, with women making up nearly 70% of the reported cases.

What are chlamydia symptoms?

Most people with chlamydia infections are asymptomatic, and if you do present symptoms, they may not show up until several weeks after you were infected.

Symptoms include a burning sensation while urinating, an abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis, or pain and swelling in the testicles. A rectal infection can cause pain, discharge, and bleeding.

Regardless of whether you present symptoms, chlamydia can still damage your reproductive system, so testing and treatment is crucial for your overall health.

Sources:

Chlamydia – STD information from CDC

STD Facts – Chlamydia | CDC

Chlamydia Statistics | CDC

Fact Sheets – OK Data | Oklahoma.gov