Chlamydia
It is the leading sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States today, with an estimated 4 million new cases occurring each year.

Chlamydia is an infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, a type of organism similar to bacteria. In women, Chlamydia initially infects the cells of the cervix from where it may ascend into the uterus, fallopian tubes and abdomen. It may cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease(PID), which may permanently damage the tubes and cause sterility/infertility.

(1) Symptoms
Many sexually transmitted diseases have no symptoms. For example, 80 percent of women infected with it experience no symptoms. When they do occur the symptoms of sexually transmitted infections can be varied; a change in vaginal discharge, irritation, pain having sex or during a period.

(2) Treatment
Chlamydia is curable with certain antibiotics. It is very important that a person with chlamydial infection take all of the prescribed medication, even after symptoms disappear.

To be sure that the infection is cured a follow-up visit to the doctor 1 to 2 weeks after finishing the medication may be necessary.