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Chlamydia in Oregon
Current Data
In 2002, chlamydial infections remained the most commonly reported STD in Oregon with a case rate of 207 per 100,000 population. The 7200 chlamydial infections reported during 2002 represents a 301 case decrease compared to 2001. At this time it is unclear if the decrease is an artifact of reporting or fewer cases diagnosed statewide.
Factsheet
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium, which can damage a woman's reproductive organs. Because symptoms of chlamydia are mild or absent, serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility, can occur "silently" before a woman ever recognizes a problem.
Fast Facts about Chlamydia
- Chlamydia is a micro-organism (bacteria) that infects both men and women
- Transmitted through sexual contact
- Damages the reproductive organs
- Symptoms may go unnoticed
- 75-80% of women will have no symptoms until complications set in
- The same is true for an estimated 30%-50% of men
- Testing to identify infections early, providing appropriate treatment, and evaluating recent sexual partners help prevent complications
- When symptoms are present:
- Men may experience:
- Discharge from the penis and/or burning or itching when urinating
- Pain and swelling in the testicles
- Women may experience:
- Vaginal discharge
- Lower abdominal pain
- Low grade fever
- Can cause sterility
A major cause of:
- Cervicitis
- Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- It is estimated that 30% of untreated women develop PID.
- PID increases the risk of:
- Sterility
- Tubal pregnancy
- Related surgery
- Ways to prevent Chlamydial infection are:
- Abstinence
- Using condoms
- Having sex with just one person who only has sex with you
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