Question of the week

Chlamydia trachomatis  can be treated. It is a bacteria and therefore is treatable with oral antibiotic medication.  

The most recent CDC Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment guidelines reported that chlamydia  was detected in the anorectal site of of 33% - 83% of women who had urogenital chlamydia infection. 

And  detecting chlamydia in the rectal area was not associated with receptive anorectal sexual activity.

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the United States.

There are many different types of  Chlamydia trachomatis but the most common type causes infection in the genital tract.

Chlamydia trachomatis is a very tiny bacteria that survives by invading a hosts cells such as the urethra, glands at the entrance to the vagina, the cervix, the rectum and even the lining of the eye (called the conjunctiva).  

It uses the hosts energy in order to replicate or make more of itself.  

Once the process is complete the cell ruptures releasing the bacteria into the environment effectively spreading the infection to other cells through direct contact or through semen, vaginal secretions, rectal mucosa and even oral secretions 

In 2020 there were 1.58 million cases of chlamydia reported in the US. 

Detection of chlamydia relies heavily on screening because more than half the time it is asymptomatic

The CDC recommends yearly chlamydia screening for all individuals that are sexually active under the age of 25. This is because the majority of new chlamydial infections occurs in 15 - 24 year old young adults and teens

Please discuss any concerns you may have with your health care professional. If you do not have one and need to be tested this CDC link allows you to enter your zip code and find a location near you for testing

Don't forget sexual health is medical health

More than half  the time there are no symptoms or signs of chlamydia. 

For this reason the CDC recommends routine screening for gonorrhea and chlamydia at least once yearly  in sexually active individuals under the age of 25.

When there are symptoms for persons with a uterus it can cause 

✨a change in vaginal discharge 

✨a vaginal odor

✨a change in vaginal bleeding  

✨it can also mimic a bladder infection 

✨and pelvic discomfort with penetrative vaginal intercourse.  

If you are noticing any changes that make you uncomfortable see a health care professional for Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing can be done through 

✨urine sample 

✨discharge from a penis 

✨vaginal swab which you can do for yourself 

✨pelvic evaluation by a professional

Bring up any concerns you have with your health care clinician. 

Learn to advocate for yourself. 

The more you know the better you become at doing this