Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease. Even though symptoms of chlamydia are usually mild or absent, serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur "silently" before a person ever recognizes a problem.

If untreated, chlamydial infections can progress to serious reproductive and other health problems with both short-term and long-term consequences. Because the cervix (opening to the uterus) of teenage girls and young women is not fully matured, they are at particularly high risk for infection if sexually active. Screening at least annually for chlamydia is recommended for all sexually active women age 25 years and younger. An annual screening test also is recommended for older women with risk factors for chlamydia.

Symptoms

Women

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Bleeding between periods
• Burning or painful urination
• Abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by fever and nausea

Men

• Watery, whitish discharge from the penis
• Burning or painful urination
• Swollen or tender testicles

How is it spread?
Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected individual

Treatment
Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics prescribed by a health care provider.

If left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to more serious infections. It can damage the reproductive organs and may cause infertility. A mother with chlamydia can give it to her baby during childbirth.

More information http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/default.htm