Chlamydia

Description:

It is a bacterial infection.

Effects:

You can pass it on to your sexual partner(s)
It can lead to problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility
You can pass the infection to your baby during birth
It can cause premature labour and low birth weight

Cause:

Intimate genital contact
Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
Infected fingers to eyes
Unprotected rimming (mouth to anus)
From a pregnant mother to her baby

Symptoms

Women:

Abnormal vaginal discharge
Stinging or burning sensation when you pass urine
Bleeding between periods or heavy periods
Pain or bleeding during or after sex

Men:

Discharge from penis
Stinging or burning sensation when you pass urine

Treatment

Antibiotics – for you and your partner(s)

Prevention

Protect your sexual health - always use a new condom correctly and put it on before you have sex

Source: Health Service Executive (HSE), 2007

HPSC factsheet - Chlamydia