Chlamydia :: essays research papers

Chlamydia Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It strikes about 4 million people a year in the U.S.. 100,000 women become infertile each year from a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which plugs up or scars the filopian tubes, so the egg can’t reach the uterus. 45% of sexually active teenagers are exposed to the disease at least once. Clamydia is caused by a bacterium, named chlamydia trachomatis. The pathogen enters the body through sexual activity, or when some comes in contact with the infected persons bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluid. Chlamydia is often unnoticed because the symptoms are often inconspicuous or not present at all. When symptoms do arise, in men, it is usually a clear or white discharge from the penis or a swelling of the testicles, which can lead to infertility if left untreated. 75% of women with the disease show no symptoms. In those that do, it is usually a yellow discharge from the urethra, painful urination, or painful sex. Â ½ of all cases of pelvic inflammatory disease, which leads to an ectopic pregnancy in pregnant women, is caused by chlamydia. Ectopic pregnancy is the leading cause of death of pregnant teens in the inner city and poor neighborhoods. Chlamydia also causes conjunctitis. This is a swelling of the eyes which can lead to blindness. The bacteria also can lead to pneumonia. Although it is the most easily treated STI, most people in danger won’t get checked until complications show, and that is why the disease is spread so much. It takes about three weeks for most people to see symptoms. In that time, they have sexual contact with others and not know they are spreading it. This process goes on and on and some day it could turn into an epidemic. This is why it is called the "silent epidemic". Chlamydia s simple to cure. Physicians prescribe a one day course of an antibiotic, azithromycin, and it’s gone.