Chlamydia in Females: What to Know

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). This kind of infection spreads through sexual contact.

• The urethra. This is the part of the body that drains pee from the bladder.
• The cervix. This is the lowest part of the uterus.
• The throat.
• The opening of the butt.

Chlamydia isn't hard to treat. But if it is not treated, it can cause worse health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, also called PID. PID can increase your risk of not being able to have children.

• It can cause serious problems during pregnancy.
• It can spread to your baby during delivery and cause your baby to have health problems.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by a germ (bacteria) called Chlamydia trachomatis. This germ is spread from an infected partner during sex.

• The genitals.
• Mouth.
• Opening of the butt.

What increases the risk?

• Not using a condom the right way.
• Having a new sex partner.
• Having more than one sex partner.
• Being sexually active before you are 25 years old.

What are the signs or symptoms?

In some cases, there are no symptoms, especially early in the infection.

• Peeing often, or a burning feeling when you pee.
• Redness, soreness, or swelling of the vagina or butt.
• Fluid coming from the vagina or butt.
• Pain in the belly.
• Pain during sex.
• Bleeding between periods or periods that aren't regular.

How is this diagnosed?

• Having pee tests.
• Having a pelvic exam.
• Having swab tests. Depending on your symptoms, your health care provider may test for the bacteria by using a cotton swab to collect fluid from your:
  • Vagina.
  • Opening of the butt.
  • Nose.
  • Throat.

How is this treated?

This infection is treated with antibiotics.

Follow these instructions at home:

Sexual activity

• Tell your sex partner or partners about your infection.
  • These include any partners for oral, anal, or vaginal sex that you have had within 60 days of when your symptoms started.
  • Sex partners need treatment even if they do not feel sick.
• Do not have sex until:
  • You and your sex partners have been treated.
  • Your doctor says it's OK.
• If you get just one dose of medicine, wait at least 7 days before having sex.

General instructions

• Ask when your test results will be ready and how to get them. You may need to call or meet with your provider to get your results.
• Take your antibiotics as told. Do not stop taking them even if you start to feel better.
• You may need to be tested for chlamydia again 3 months after treatment.

How is this prevented?

• Use latex or polyurethane condoms the right way. Do this every time you have sex.
• Do not have many sex partners.
• Ask if your sex partner has been tested for STIs and had negative results.
• Get regular health screenings to check for STIs.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You develop new symptoms.
• Your symptoms are getting worse or don't get better with treatment.
• You have pain during sex.
• Your periods are not regular.
• You bleed between periods or after sex.
• You get flu-like symptoms, like:
  • Fever or chills.
  • Night sweats.
  • Sore throat.
  • Muscle aches.
• You aren't able to take your antibiotics as told.