Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), which in most cases is curable. Chlamydia is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia Trachomatis. Chlamydia is also known as the "silent epidemic" because the majority of men and women with the disease have no noticeable symptoms. The Chlamydia Infection is very common among young adults and teenagers. At present, Chlamydia is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the US . Genital Chlamydial Infection can be contracted during oral, vaginal, or anal sexual contact with a partner that is affected by the disease.

In women, the Chlamydia infection can affect damage the Fallopian tubes, which conduct eggs from the ovaries to the womb. This can stop the tubes from working properly and they can become completely blocked. Chlamydia is the most common preventable cause of infertility in women. When the fallopian tubes are blocked, no pregnancy is possible naturally. One option is IVF (in-vitro fertilisation), but less than one quarter of all women that try in-vitro fertilization end up having a baby. Women with damaged tubes do occasionally become pregnant; however, there is an increased risk of the pregnancy developing in the tubes rather than the womb. This condition is referred to as an ectopic pregnancy. The tube can split apart causing life threatening pain and bleeding. Chlamydia infection can often leads to pain in the lower abdomen, which often is mistaken for other problem rather than pelvic infection .

Men can also experience trouble with Chlamydia . The most common cause of inflammation in the testicles and sperm-conducting tubes (epididymo-orchitis) in young to middle aged men is Chlamydia . The Chlamydia infection causes noticeable pain, swelling and redness in the scrotum on the affected side. The infection can occur in both sides. Chlamydia infection can also trigger or lead to joint inflammation in some men.

The symptoms experienced by individuals can vary on a case by case basis; however the majority of men and women with Chlamydia have no noticeable symptoms. When individuals do experience symptoms, the possible symptoms are as follows:

• discharge from the penis or vagina
• burning sensation when urinating
• pain during intercourse
• bleeding during intercourse in women
• bleeding between menstrual periods
• abdominal pain in women
• burning and itching around the opening of the penis
• pain and swelling in the testicles

Symptoms may appear within one to three weeks after being infected. Chlamydia is the most common treatable STD. As mentioned above, Chlamydia often presents no symptoms in men or women unless the infection leads to more noticeable medical complications. Always consult with a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia .