Chlamydia and how it affects fertility
This
common bacterial infection currently affects almost three million people each
year.
It's often called the 'silent disease', because it usually has no
symptoms. If they do occur, they can include vaginal discharge and pelvic or
abdominal pain (or both). Men with the condition may experience pain when urinating.
Chlamydia
can be easily treated with antibiotics but if left untreated for a long period
of time it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is a severe
infection of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes and it can result in
infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
In
pregnancy, Chlamyidia can cause preterm labor. It’s also possible for it to be passed on to a baby
during the birth, and it can cause your baby to develop conjunctivitis and pneumonia. As a precaution, measures are
taken to protect all newborn babies – just after birth, babies are given eye
drops which contain an antibiotic that destroys Chlamydia.
You’ll
be tested for Chlamydia during your pregnancy, at your first prenatal
appointment. If you have any reason to think you may have contracted it after
this initial test, ask to be retested during your third trimester as a
precaution. You can best avoid it by avoiding sex with anyone other than your
long-term partner or practicing safe sex.
The information in this feature is intended for
educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the
health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a
doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 03/01/2008
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