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Sexually transmitted infections, also known as STD's, describe a viral, bacterial, or sometimes parasitic infection. These types of infections can be the result of intimate sexual contact. There are many different types of STI's which are shown above. A lot of these infections come with very little to no symptoms which is why it is important to get tested regularly if you are sexually active. Even though many of these have no symptoms, they could lead to serious health issues like infertility or pregnancy complications in women.

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Chlamydia is one of the most common types of STI's caused by bacteria with about 1.5 million cases per year. Luckily, it can be treated with proper medication, but if left untreated, it can cause infertility and potentially ectopic pregnancies. This infection usually has no symptoms at all, but in some cases symptoms can present from one week up to three months after having sexual intercourse.

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The pathogen that is known for causing chlamydia is chlamydia trachomatis. C. trachomatis is a gram-negative bacteria that can only replicate in a host cell. This pathogen can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex without protection, like a condom. Once the pathogen enters the body, it can only be cured through antibiotics, and it will not go away on its own.

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Symptoms of chlamydia can differ in men and women, if any symptoms are present at all. It is important to remember that this STI is often referred to as a "silent infection" meaning it will usually not be seen. However, if symptoms are present aside from the symptoms listed above, women could also experience an increased need to urinate, painful urination, pain in the lower abdomen, and itching or burning around genitals. Some symptoms men could present would be painful urination, rectal pain, and rectal bleeding.

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Because this STI is known as a "silent infection," the risk of it going untreated is higher than a symptom-presenting infection. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Ectopic Pregnancy are two of the potential long term effects of chlamydia. Both of these conditions are due to damage to the female reproductive organs. Symptoms of PID usually begin mild and then slowly progress into chronic pain. Ectopic Pregnancy is where the egg implants outside of the uterus, requiring immediate medical attention. Long term effects in men are less common, but one of them is Epididymitis. This is inflammation of the epididymitis which is responsible for storing and carrying sperm. If the case is bad enough, it can even spread to a testicle which would be called, epididymo-orchitis. Symptoms of this include blood in the semen, pain in lower abdomen, and swelling in the scrotum.

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Chlamydia in newborns is passed down from mother to child through vaginal birth. This results in eye infections and even respiratory infections like pneumonia. Symptoms of eye infections are yellow eye drainage and swollen eyelids, as seen in the picture above. Symptoms of pneumonia are fever and trouble breathing. In very serious eye infections, it could lead to complete blindness.

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The good news is, chlamydia is easily curable 95% of the time. After testing positive for chlamydia, the course of action requires antibiotics like Azithromycin and Doxycycline. After this, the infection should clear up in about two weeks. However, it is important to take the antibiotics all the way through to be sure the infection does not return and worsen. It is recommended that you get retested every three months after the first infection since repeat infections could lead in reproductive damage in women.

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People and Places Chlamydia is Most Common

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People and Places Chlamydia is Most Common

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As shown in the map above, chlamydia is most common in and around Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia. The prevalence for chlamydia in women in the United States is 4% and 2.5% in men as of 2020, so it is about twice as common in women as it is in men. The most common age for this STI is about 20-24.

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The most effective way to prevent the spread of chlamydia is the use of protection during sexual contact, like condoms. You can limit the amount of sexual partners you have, and make sure your partner is tested. Lastly, you can make sure to get tested yourself regularly since the infection can spread without knowledge of it even being there.

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For those who have health insurance, chlamydia testing is usually covered. For people without insurance, the test can cost anywhere from $30-$130, and the antibiotics needed to treat it are an additional $15-$50 more. On top of that, the partner of the patient should also be tested and treated as well. The average cost of an overall test, treatment, and consultation with a doctor about chlamydia is about $200.