Chlamydia Infection

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Chlamydia (klah-MID-e-ah) is an infection of the sex organs spread by having vaginal, oral (mouth), or anal (rear end) sex. Pregnant women with chlamydia may pass the infection to their baby during birth. This could cause your baby to get pneumonia or an eye infection that may cause blindness. This infection is caused by a germ called a bacteria. You may be more likely to get chlamydia if you have had other diseases spread by sex, like gonorrhea. You are also more likely to get chlamydia if you have sex with more than one person.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms of chlamydia include redness, itching, burning, or discharge. The irritation and discharge may come from your vagina, penis, or anus (if you have anal sex). You may also have a fever, or pain when urinating or during sex. You may also show no signs or symptoms when you have chlamydia. Because of this, you may not know that you are infected, and you may spread the infection to others. Chlamydia is usually gone in two weeks with treatment.
  
  
• Chlamydia that is not treated may cause infections of the prostate or testicles in men. In women, the infection may spread into the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes. This can damage these organs, making it difficult for a woman to get pregnant. Women who have untreated chlamydia are at a greater risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Touching your eyes with your hands when you have chlamydia germs on them can cause an eye infection, even leading to blindness.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Over-the-counter medicine: Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are the kind that you can buy without an order (prescription) from a caregiver. OTC medicine may be used for many reasons, such as decreasing pain or a high body temperature (fever). These medicines are safe for most people to use and can help you feel better when used correctly. However, they can cause serious problems when they are not used correctly. People using certain other medicines or that have certain medical conditions are at a higher risk for problems. Using too much, or using these medicines for longer than the label says can also cause problems. Follow directions on the label carefully. If you have questions, talk to your caregiver.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

How should I take care of myself while I have the infection?

• Do not douche unless your caregiver tells you to.
  
  
• Do not have sex while being treated for chlamydia. If you have sex, correctly use a latex condom. Doing this may stop you from getting another infection, and it may prevent your partner from getting the infection.
  
  
• Do not use feminine hygiene sprays or powders.
  
  
• Drink at least eight (8-ounce) cups of water every day. Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol while being treated for chlamydia. Alcohol may change the way that your medicine works.
  
  
• Keep your genital area clean and dry.
  
  
• Take showers instead of tub baths, and use plain, unscented soap.
  
  
• Wash your hands well after going to the bathroom. This helps keep you from spreading the infection to other parts of your body, such as your eyes.

What should I do if I am pregnant while I have chlamydia?

If you are pregnant, tell your caregiver that you have chlamydia. A chlamydia infection may cause you to go into labor too early. Babies born to infected mothers may get an eye or lung infection.

What should I do to protect myself and others from getting chlamydia?

• Tell all partners with whom you have had sex in the last three months that you have this infection. They may also be infected and need treatment.
  
  
• Do not have sex until you and your partner have taken all your medicine. Ask your caregiver when it is safe to have sex.
  
  
• Always wear a latex condom correctly when having sex to prevent chlamydia and other STDs. Use a new condom after each ejaculation.
  
  
• Do not have sex (including oral and anal sex) with someone who has chlamydia.

What can I do to help prevent vaginal infections?

Chlamydia is a sexually-transmitted disease (STD). Other vaginal infections are not spread in this way. Following are things you can do to help prevent vaginal infections:

• Bath or shower every day.
  
  
• Use plain, unscented soap to wash. Rinse the soap from between your legs after a bath or shower.
  
  
• Keep your genital area clean and dry. Wipe from the front to the back after urinating or having a bowel movement.
  
  
• Change your underwear as soon as possible after activities that make you sweat, especially during hot, humid weather.
  
  
• Wear underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Avoid wearing underwear to bed.
  
  
• Do not use using scented tampons or sanitary pads because they can irritate your vaginal area.
  
  
• Do not douche unless caregivers tell you to.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your signs or symptoms last longer than one week or get worse during treatment.
  
  
• Your signs or symptoms return after treatment.
  
  
• You have any problems that may be related to the medicine you are taking.
  
  
• You have a fever or pain with intercourse.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your stomach pain gets worse.
  
  
• You have a fever.

Copyright © 2012. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Chlamydia Infection (Discharge Care)