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Chlamydia

1: What's the deal???
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��������������� Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. There are
��� approximately 3-4 million new cases each year, most of whom are TEENAGERS and young adults. The cost
��� of treating Chlamydia runs� to almost 2 billion dollars a year nationally.
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2: The Bad Guy!!!
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��������������� It is caused by the parasitic bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis. It is not
like typical bacteria which makes it more difficult to treat.

3: The Symptoms
�������������� One of the things about Chlamydia is that often, there are no symptoms. Up to 1/2 of all cases� are asymptomatic. Hence, it is often called the "silent epidemic." But, even if symptoms are absent, it is� still transmittable and contractible. If there are symptoms, they usually appear 1-3 weeks after contracting it.
�� Symptoms include:

• ��� Burning and Pain during urination
• ��� Pain and swelling of testicles.
• ��� Fever (rare)
• ��� Cloudy discharge from Penis
• ��� Itching near the opening of the penis.

4: What can happen???
�������������� For men, the primary danger lies in the possibility of damaging the
reproductive organs. This can lead to�� infertility. Contraction through oral sex can
lead to Proctitis which is a type of throat infection. Contraction through anal sex can lead
to an inflamed rectum. All of which are quite uncomfortable to say the least.

5: How can I get it???
��������������� One thing to mention, if someone does not have symptoms, doesn't mean
you can't get it. As stated before, often it is asymptomatic. The primary way of contracting Chlamydia is unprotected Vaginal, Anal and Oral sex.

6: How can I NOT get it???
��������������� The most obvious way is NOT have SEX! Also condoms recuse the risk greatly.
Limiting the number of sexual partners� greatly will reduce the risk of contracting
Chlamydia. If you do have Chlamydia, it is best to tell your partner so that others
don't get it, or you yourself don't get it again after you've been treated.
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7:� Get Rid of it!!!
��������������� Methods for the diagnosis of Chlamydia are not too complex..
Swabs of discharge can reveal the problem� and so can Urine samples in some
cases. Treatment includes various antibiotics. Penicillin does NOT work. Rather,
�erythromycin, azithromycin� and ofloxocin are used widely.


Once again, if you have any questions and would like to find out more, please do not hesitate to contact your physician!
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