$Unique_ID{BRK01361}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites, Genitourinary System}
$Title{Information About Chlamydia}
$Subject{STD chlamydia treatment}
$Volume{A, J}
$Log{
Ectopic Pregnancy*0009001.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Information About Chlamydia


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  I am disturbed by the information I have read about chlamydia.
Because of its sensitive nature, I am unable to get the information I need
about the symptoms of this infection and its treatment.  You could be doing a
lot of people a real favor if you would please discuss this for us.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects both
men and women.  It is the leading cause of pelvic inflammatory disease in
women and the major cause of nongonococcal urethritis in men.  This infection
can lead to ectopic pregnancies and sterility.  And three to four million
Americans have chlamydia.
     Part of the problem with chlamydia is that, unlike with most STD's, a
sufferer doesn't usually show any symptoms.  Eighty percent of women with
chlamydia are asymptomatic, while up to 20 percent of men have no symptoms.
When a symptom does appear, it is usually a discharge from the penis or pain
during urination in men.  In women, the only clue may be a vaginal discharge.
The only sure way for a physician to diagnose chlamydia is to test for it.
     A complicating factor with chlamydia is that it is often not alone.  Many
cases of chlamydia are accompanied by other STD's, notably gonorrhea, genital
warts, or other types of vaginitis.  An important factor in diagnosing
chlamydia is sexual history.  A new sexual partner within the last two months
increases the risk of chlamydial infection being present.
     Barrier contraceptives (a condom or diaphragm) give some protection
against chlamydial infection, but this protection depends on consistent use.
The usual treatment for chlamydia are the antibiotics tetracycline or
doxycycline.  Women who are pregnant may be given erythromycin as the first
medication of choice.  The sexual partner should also be treated at the same
time, otherwise reinfection will occur.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
