CHLAMYDIA

Chlamydia



Abstract

An estimated 19 million new cases of Sexually Transmitted Diseases are detected in the United States each year. The rate of STDs is significantly higher among young Americans. Over the years, several steps have been taken in order to decrease the STD rate in the US but the rates have been disproportionately higher among Americans. In addition, the STD rates in young American girls are the highest. Sexually Transmitted Diseases mainly spread by sexual contact such as oral, anal and vaginal sex. Among young Americans, the rates for Chlamydia, herpes, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are significantly higher and increase the risk of getting HIV/AIDS. Sexually transmitted infections are the most important cause of infertility can be prevented, particularly among women. It is worth mentioning that between 10% and 40% of women suffer from one type of Chlamydia untreated gestational pelvic inflammatory disease. Furthermore, women who had pelvic inflammatory disease at risk for ectopic pregnancy (tubal) than women who did not develop by a rate ranging between 6 and 10 times, and can be attributed 40% to 50% of ectopic pregnancies to previous pelvic inflammatory disease. It can also cause infection with certain types of human to the development of genital cancers in women, especially cervical cancer.

Table of Contents

Abstractii

Introduction1

Discussion1

Epidemiology2

Symptoms3

Complications4

Young Women at Higher Risk4

Other Contributing Factors5

Statistics6

Diagnose and Treatment7

Prevention7

Caution8

Need for Advocacy8

Conclusion8

References10

Chlamydia

Introduction

Genital chlamydia infection is increasing on a national level resulting in millions in health care costs. Chlamydia related morbidity includes pelvic inflammatory disease, chlamydia prostatitis for men, and in some cases infertility. Despite decades of primary and secondary prevention measures, including the distribution of free condoms, health education programs, and inexpensive treatment, nationally and locally genital chlamydia infection rates have risen in young women.

Chlamydia is an obligate bacterium that enters the vagina during sexual contact causing millions of infections annually for women under age 25. Untreated infections invade the female endo-cervical epithelium and fallopian tubes with subsequent health care costs exceeding $3 billion per year. Vague symptoms including burning upon urination, pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding may be present, but asymptomatic infection is common. Mild symptoms or lack thereof, leave these young women at risk for chlamydia related morbidity, most specifically, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Chlamydia PID can lead to infertility. Unfortunately, inexpensive and effective treatment is often delayed because of vague or absent symptoms.

Discussion

Chlamydia is a common STI/STD caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia and gonorrhea, another sexually transmitted infection, are the primary causes of infertility and other long-term reproductive health problems in women. When diagnosed, chlamydia can be easily treated and cured. It can also be easily prevented with the consistent use of condoms.

Chlamydia can be transmitted during unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Any sexually active person can be infected with chlamydia. The greater the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection. Chlamydia can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth.

Public health efforts related to STI/STDs have always concentrated on controlling infections. This has meant identifying people who are infected ...