Chlamydia Background Info l Caused by bacteria Chlamydia
Chlamydia
Background Info l Caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomitis l Symptoms are mild or absent l Can cause serious irreversible complications
Facts l In 2006, 3, 086, 978 Chlamydia infections were reported l Why is this number most likely higher?
Symptoms l Known as the “silent” disease l Symptoms may appear 1 -3 weeks after infected l In women, infection can spread from cervix to rectum l In men, burning and itching near opening of penis l Can be found in throats of partners giving oral sex
How do you get it? l Teenage girls at high risk u Cervix not completely developed, more susceptible to infection l Men having sex with men at high risk u Oral / anal sex
Untreated Chlamydia l Women u Causes PID u Can lead to chronic pelvic pain and infertility u 5 x more likely to contract HIV, if exposed l Men u Complications are rare, may cause pain and fever l For both, can cause arthritis with skin lesions and eye infections
Diagnosis l Urine tests l May require specimen from penis or cervix
Treatment l Easily treated and cured with antibiotics u Week of doxycycline (2 x/day) l Abstain from intercourse until treatment is complete l Having multiple infections increases a woman’s risk of serious reproductive issues l Retesting is important
Prevention l Yearly testing Sexually active women age 25 and younger u Pregnant women u Risky behaviors, women with multiple partners u l Notify sexual partners within past 60 days
Assignment l Write a letter to a friend who is sexually active with multiple partners and does not use protection. u In your letter, include at least 3 dangers of gonorrhea or chlamydia, 2 prevention methods, and 1 treatment option for gonorrhea or chlamydia. u 40 points
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