What Is It |
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A bacterial infection of the genital area. |
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How Many Get It |
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About 3 million new cases each year. The highest rates are among women aged 15 to 19. |
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Signs |
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There are no symptoms in most women and many men who have it. Others may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding (not your period), unusual discharge or pain during urination within one to three weeks of having sex with an infected partner. |
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How It's Spread |
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Through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. |
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Treatment |
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Oral antibiotics cure the infection. Both partners must be treated at the same time to prevent passing the infection back and forth, and both partners need to abstain from unprotected intercourse until the infection is gone. |
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Possible Consequences |
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Infertility and increased risk of HIV infection. In women, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. |
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