The Urology Center Glossary terms

Chlamydia:

The term Chlamydia refers to a bacteria like microscopic organism that is the most common cause of urethral infection in younger adult sexually active people. Chlamydia urethritis or cervicitis is a sexually transmitted disease that may cause symptoms such as urethral or vaginal discharge and burning or there may be no symptoms at all.

Millions of Americans carry this infectious agent which has been linked to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women and chronic testicular pain in men. Some studies have shown as many as thirty percent of young adults carry this infection. The infection is generally easily treated with common antibiotics but cultures or enzymatic assays should be performed prior to treatment. Sexual partners of infected individuals should also be treated.