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1. What is chlamydia?

   Chlamydia infection is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacterium can be transmitted during sexual intercourse, or by oral-genital contact with an infected person.

2. If so many people with chlamydia don't have symptoms, why is it necessary to get treated?

   Even though chlamydia infection often doesn't cause symptoms, it can still cause serious consequences for women, and for pregnant women and their infants. Also, the only way to stop the epidemic is by treating everyone infected, whether they have symptoms or not.

3. How will chlamydia infection affect my chances of getting pregnant?

   It depends on several factors, such as how long you have been infected and whether the infection has migrated into your upper genital tract. Pelvic inflammatory disease, which is often caused by chlamydia infection, can lead to infertility.

4. 4. Does having chlamydia put me at greater risk for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

   Yes. Chlamydia infection increases your risk of HIV by producing more of the type of white blood cells to which HIV attaches itself. STDs are often transmitted at the same time, so if you have acquired chlamydia, you may also be at risk for having other STDs.

5. What are the side effects from chlamydia treatment?

   Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics without causing significant side effects. Ask your health care professional about possible side effects, if any, specific to the medication prescribed for you.

6. How is pelvic inflammatory disease treated?

   In most cases, the first line of treatment is oral antibiotics. More serious cases or special circumstances may require intravenous drugs and hospitalization.

7. Why are more women diagnosed with chlamydia then men?

   One reason is that unless they have symptoms, most men are never tested for chlamydia. Women, on the other hand, although they are more likely not to have symptoms of the disease, do have annual exams and therefore more opportunities to be screened for infection.

8. Can a pregnant woman pass chlamydia to her infant?

   Yes. The infection can be transmitted during birth and can cause eye and lung infection in a newborn. Fortunately, a pregnant woman can take medication that will cure chlamydia without harming her or her child.