Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Massachusetts and in the United States. Symptoms are usually mild or absent that’s why testing is so important. You can help stop its spread by learning more about the infection and getting tested. This site provides the information you need.

If you are sexually active, make (sexually transmitted infection) STI testing part of your routine. You have a few options:

Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Left untreated, serious complications can arise including infertility in women and painful symptoms in men. In addition, a very rare chlamydia strain called Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) has begun appearing in European and U.S. cities and is of particular concern to men who have sex with men. For more information on LGV, click here.

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection of the genital tract caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis that is spread through sexual contact. It is often called a “silent” disease because about 75 % of women and more than 50 % of men infected show no signs or symptoms. Chlamydia is most commonly transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be passed to a newborn during vaginal childbirth.

Chlamydia affects both women and men, though reported cases for women greatly surpass those for men. This is important to know because some MSM also have sex with women. Because this disease can lead to serious medical problems, there has been increased attention to screening in recent years.

Symptoms can develop within one to three weeks of exposure. Signs to look for include abnormal discharge from the penis, burning sensation during urination, lower abdominal and back pain, fever, and inflammation of the rectum.

Untreated cases of chlamydia can cause tender or swollen testicles which may lead to an infection inside the penis called urethritis. For women, consequences can be even more severe. The disease can trigger pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can damage the fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix ultimately causing infertility. It can also cause an ectopic or tubal pregnancy—where the fertilized egg develops outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy can be a potentially fatal condition. that can cause the organs to rupture.

Testing is easy and safe. By getting tested regularly (every 6 months) you can get treatment before chlamydia spreads up the genital tract. You’ll also be protecting your sexual partners and the Boston community.

Diagnosis of chlamydia can be determined by several tests, including a urine sample test and a culture test sampling discharge of the penis. Depending upon your sexual behaviors, you may need additional cultures of your throat or anus.

Chlamydia is curable. Antibiotics are the standard treatment for this disease and usually given orally. Pills may be given in one dose or over the period of a week. Pregnant women may also be treated with antibiotics without harming the fetus.

If you are HIV-positive or your immune system is compromised for any reason, you should see your doctor regularly.

If you are sexually active, make STI testing part of your routine. In addition, use condoms, consider limiting the number of sexual partners and know each partner’s sexual history.

If you are infected, you should abstain from sex until you are completely cured. All your current sexual partners need to be tested and treated if exposed – it’s easy to be reinfected.

It’s important for everyone to know that chlamydia makes it much more likely to acquire or transmit HIV infection. If you are HIV-positive and think you’ve been exposed, you should get tested and get treatment right away.