CHLAMYDIA
PROBLEM
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Often no problems are present, but you may notice a yellowish discharge from the penis or vagina, burning during urination, frequent and urgent urination, or pelvic pain.
Untreated chlamydia in females may lead to a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a leading cause of infertility, increased ectopic pregnancies, and chronic pelvic pain.
You can get chlamydia more than once.
CAUSE
Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. This bacterium is spread through sexual contact and may infect the eyes, throat, vagina, penis, and rectum.
PREVENTION
A.Use condoms with sexual activity.
B.Do not have sex if you or your sexual partner has abnormal discharge or burning with urination.
C.Limit sexual partners.
D.Have routine screening tests for chlamydia prior to beginning a new sexual relationship.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Chlamydia can be cured when you and all of your sexual partners take antibiotics.
B.Take all of your antibiotics.
C.Do not share your antibiotics with your partner(s). Each of you need to have your own prescription for antibiotics.
D.Until you and your partner(s) have completed all of your prescribed antibiotics, do not have sex.
Your healthcare provider is required to report this disease to the public health department. The health department may contact you.
Medications: Chlamydia can be cured by the prescribed antibiotics.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
It is very important that you keep your follow-up appointment with your provider in 3 months so that you can be retested to make sure the infection is gone:
Your Appointment Has Been Scheduled For: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If:
A.You are unable to take your antibiotics because of nausea, vomiting, or a reaction.
B.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE