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Chlamydia Infections in Women
Definition
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by parasitic microorganisms. These microorganisms cause a wide range of infections in humans, including infections of the male and female genital tract, eye infections, and pneumonia.
Recently, infections with certain types of chlamydia have been associated with coronary heart disease.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Different strains of chlamydia cause genital, eye, lymph node, and respiratory infections. Chlamydia causes trachoma, which is the most common cause of blindness in the world.
In the developed world, infections due to chlamydia are a common sexually transmitted disease; in the U.S., approximately 50 women per 100,000 are infected annually, with women aged 15-24 at greatest risk. Risk factors include multiple sexual partners. Chlamydia is the most common reportable disease in the United States.
Sexually transmitted chlamydia infections can infect the the urethra, the rectum, and the throat. In women, the infection may lead to inflammation of the cervix. If untreated, infection may spread to the uterus or the fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease. This can cause infertility and can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Cervicitis
• Chlamydia
• Ectopic Pregnancy
• Infertility
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Tests & Exams
• Culture - Endocervix
Other Topics
• Abdominal Pain
• Blindness
• Respiratory
• Sexual Intercourse - Painful
• Urination - Painful
• Vaginal Discharge
Review Date : 8/11/2003
Reviewed By : Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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