For Teens: What You Should Know About Chlamydia

Chlamydia may have no signs

Be aware of the following: 

• Most people have no signs early on. They don’t even know they have this infection. They may find out later when they have infected someone else. Or they may find out if they have problems, such as being unable to have children.

• Some people do have signs. You may have discharge from the penis, vagina, or rectum. You may have burning during urination. You may have pain in the sex organs or rectum. Chlamydia in the vagina or rectum can cause bleeding.

• For women, chlamydia can lead to bleeding between periods. It can cause vaginal or pelvic pain. If a uterus or fallopian tubes are part of your anatomy, you're at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can make it difficult or impossible to have children.

• For men, chlamydia can make the tip of the penis burn. It can make the testicles swell. Though rare, it can cause men to be sterile.

• Usually the pain or the burning goes away in a few weeks. But the chlamydia remains and can cause long-term problems. These include infertility, rectal abscess, urinary problems, or chronic pain. 

• Babies born to women with this disease can also get sick. The baby’s lungs and eyes can be damaged.

Protect yourself from chlamydia

The safest way is to not have sex. If you have sex, be sure your partner doesn’t have chlamydia. The best way to be sure is to get tested. Because of the risk for PID and the problems chlamydia causes for newborns, experts advise screening (testing) for all sexually active females (or people with female genitals) younger than 25. If you’re not sure whether you or your partner has this infection, use a latex condom.

Stay sober. Getting high on alcohol or drugs can affect your judgment. You may be more likely to have sex without using a condom or with someone you don't really know.

Always use a condom

Don't make any exceptions to the following: 

• Always use a new latex condom. Use a new one each time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

• Use latex male condoms and female condoms correctly and consistently.

• Keep latex condoms on hand. Store them in a cool place. Don’t keep them in your wallet or in your car.

Use condoms correctly

Using a latex condom correctly will help prevent the spread of chlamydia. If you use a lubricant, make sure it’s water-based. Don’t use petroleum jelly, oil, or hand cream. They can make the condom break.