### What is Chlamydia? Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It often has no symptoms, making it easy to spread unknowingly. ### Symptoms - **Vaginal Symptoms:** Discharge that may be white, yellow, or gray and may smell bad. - **Penile Symptoms:** Discharge that may look clear, cloudy, or like pus. - **Other Symptoms:** Discharge from the anus, throat, or eyes. ### How it Spreads Chlamydia spreads through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex. It can also spread through genital contact and sharing sex toys. Pregnant women can pass it to their babies during delivery. ### Diagnosis - **Tests:** Urine samples or swabs from the urethra, vagina, cervix, or anus. - **Home Test Kits:** Available since 2023, but may have false positives or negatives. ### Treatment Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics like azithromycin or doxycycline. It's crucial to finish all prescribed antibiotics and ensure your partner(s) are treated to avoid reinfection. ### Prevention - **Regular Testing:** Especially if sexually active or have had unprotected sex. - **Safe Practices:** Use condoms and avoid sharing sex toys. ### Complications If untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health issues like pelvic inflammatory disease. ### Retesting and Reinfection Get retested after 3 months to ensure the infection is cured. You can get reinfected, so it's important to ensure both you and your partner(s) are treated. ### Misconceptions Chlamydia does not spread through kissing, sharing drinks, or casual contact. ### Summary Chlamydia is a common STI that often has no symptoms. Regular testing and treatment with antibiotics can clear the infection, but untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health problems.