Thursday, March 11, 1999
Q & A about sex and risks
• What is chlamydia?
A bacterial disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which occurs about 4 million times a year nationwide, primarily in teen-age girls. About one in 10 chlamydia cases cause severe scarring in the fallopian tubes, making it one of the nation's leading causes of female infertility. Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics, but frequently goes undiagnosed because the disease often has no noticeable symptoms. Female symptoms can include abnormal vaginal discharge, spotting or bleeding between menstrual periods, pelvic or lower back pain, frequent or burning urination. In men, symptoms include pain or burning when urinating, discharge from the penis, pain or swelling around the testicles.
The American Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend annual chlamydia screenings for sexually active teens. Some researchers say the testing should be done every six months.
• What is gonorrhea?
A bacterial disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Untreated, the disease can cause infertility, blindness, heart disease, arthritis, damage to the urinary tract and damage to unborn children. While still treatable with antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria are emerging. Infected men may notice painful or difficult urination, but women often have no noticeable symptoms.
In many clinics, doctors test for gonorrhea and chlamydia at the same time and treat for both diseases even if only one is detected.
• For more information:
Young adults can learn about chlamydia, gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) through a booklet offered by the Kaiser Family Foundation called It's Your (Sex) Life, Your Guide to Safe and Responsible Sex. To get the free booklet, call (888) BE SAFE 1. For information about getting tested for STDs, contact your doctor or local public health department.
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