Chlamydia is a common STI caused by the bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis.  It can cause permanent and lasting damage to a woman’s reproductive organs (uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries) if left untreated.  It is the most frequently reported bacterial STI in the United States.  Often Chlamydia shows no signs or symptoms, yet can cause irreversible damage.

Chlamydia can affect both men and women at any time regardless of age.  It is spread through body fluids during vaginal, oral, or anal sexxii.  Condoms offer a measure of protection against Chlamydia, but even with protection you can still contract the disease.  Chlamydia can also be found in the throats of women and men who have oral sex with an infected partner.

The damage done by Chlamydia is often discovered years later when previously infected women try to become pregnant and are unable to do so.