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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffChlamydia (kluh-MID-ee-uh) is a common sexually transmitted illness. You may not know you have chlamydia because many people never develop the signs or symptoms, which may include genital pain and a discharge from the vagina or penis.
Chlamydia affects both men and women and occurs in all age groups, though it's most prevalent among young women. Chlamydia isn't difficult to treat once you know you have it. If it's left untreated, however, chlamydia can lead to more-serious health problems.
References
- Chlamydia: CDC fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
- Chlamydia: Frequently asked questions. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://womenshealth.gov/faq/chlamydia.cfm. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
- Zenilman JM. Genital chlamydia trachomatis infections in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
- Zenilman JM. Genital chlamydia trachomatis infections in men. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
- Brunham RC. Chlamydial diseases. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
- Marrazzo J. Treatment of chlamydia trachomatis infection. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): CDC fact sheet. http://www.cdc.gov/std/pid/stdfact-pid.htm. Accessed Feb. 28, 2011.
- Rohren CH (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 3, 2011.
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