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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Spanish version
Chlamydial Infection in Women
What is chlamydial infection?
Chlamydia are organisms similar to bacteria that can infect
several parts of the body. In women these infections often
occur in the urinary tract, cervix, and pelvis.
How does it occur?
The microscopic organisms causing the infection are called
Chlamydia trachomatis. The infections are usually passed
from person to person during sexual intercourse. They can
also be passed by other intimate contact with the genitals,
mouth, or rectal area. An infection can be passed from a
mother to her baby during birth. Chlamydia can cause the
baby to have eye infections or pneumonia.
What are the symptoms?
Possible symptoms include:
- vaginal discharge
- mild pain or discomfort when you urinate
- abdominal pain.
Often there are no symptoms, especially early in the
infection.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and
do a pelvic exam. You will have lab tests of samples of
cervical discharge or urine.
How is it treated?
Taking antibiotics usually cures the infection. You may
need to take more than one antibiotic, especially if there
is a chance you have other infections, such as gonorrhea.
Your sexual partner or partners should also have treatment
for chlamydia even if they have no symptoms.
How long will the effects last?
Antibiotics usually work fast. However, unless you are
given a single-dose antibiotic (such as azithromycin), you
must take the medicine for the full length of time
prescribed by your health care provider to be sure the
infection doesn't return.
Without treatment the disease can cause serious problems,
such as scarring of the fallopian tubes, tubal pregnancy,
and infertility.
How can I take care of myself while I'm being treated?
- Follow the full treatment prescribed by your health care
provider. This includes taking prescribed antibiotics
until they are gone.
- Use sanitary pads rather than tampons. Change them
often.
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to avoid
infecting the urinary tract.
- Take aspirin or acetaminophen to reduce pain.
- If you're taking the antibiotic tetracycline, avoid milk
products 1 to 2 hours before and after you take the
medicine. Also, avoid sun exposure. The medicine may
cause you to be very sensitive to the sun and get a
severe sunburn.
How can I help prevent chlamydial infection and its
complications?
- Follow your health care provider's instructions for
follow-up visits and tests.
- Tell your sexual partner about the infection so your
partner can be treated too.
- Do not have sexual contact with anyone until tests show
your infection is gone.
- Practice safe sex with all partners, every time. Always
use condoms during intercourse.
- Ask your provider to test you for chlamydia at your
regular checkup, or sooner if you're having symptoms.
- Ask your provider for more information if you are
pregnant.
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