CHLAMYDIA INFECTION
ABASIC INFORMATION
BTREATMENT DESCRIPTION GENERAL MEASURES Chlamydia are intracellular parasites that have many of the
• Diagnostic tests may include vaginal smear, rectal smear
same physical characteristics as viruses. They cause inflam-
and urethral smear for laboratory analysis.
mation of the urethra (the tube that allows urine from the
• Keep the genital area clean. Use plain unscented soap.
bladder to pass outside the body), vagina, cervix, uterus, fal-
• Take showers rather than tub baths.
lopian tubes, anus and ovaries. This is the most common
• Wear cotton underpants or pantyhose with a cotton
sexually transmitted disease in the United States.
crotch. Avoid those made from non-ventilating materials,
Chlamydia infection may also be transmitted to the eyes or
lungs of a newborn infant. If Chlamydia are found by
• After urination or bowel movements, cleanse by wiping
microscopic exam and culture of discharge in any person
or washing from front to back (vagina to anus).
who is sexually active, all sexual partners must be treated. FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Sometimes no symptoms during early stages.
• If you have diabetes, adhere strictly to your treatment pro-
• If urinating causes burning, urinate through a tubular
• Anal swelling, pain or discharge.
device, such as a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the
• Reddening of the vagina or tip of the penis (males).
bottom cut out, or pour a cup of warm water over the geni-
• A follow up medical examination is necessary after com-
• Testing for other sexually transmitted diseases is recom-mended. CAUSES Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria spread by: MEDICATION
Oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline or azithromycin
(Zithromax) may be prescribed. Antibiotics may interfere
with the effectiveness of some birth control pills. If you are
• Vaginal infection during delivery of a newborn, which
currently taking birth control pills, discuss this with the
RISK INCREASES WITH ACTIVITY
• Unprotected sexual activity, particularly in young females.
• Avoid overexertion, heat and excessive sweating.
• History of other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Delay sexual relations until treatment is completed and
• Allow about 3 weeks for recovery. PREVENTIVE MEASURES
• Use of condoms during sexual activity. • Treatment of all sexual partners of any infected person
CNOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF
(usually 2 weeks of an oral antibiotic such as tetracycline). EXPECTED OUTCOME
• You or a family member has symptoms of Chlamydia
Complete cure with adequate antibiotic treatment.
infection. • Symptoms persist longer than 1 week or worsen despite
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
• Infertility and/or sterility in female.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling develops.
• Infecting one’s sexual partner.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in
• Secondary bacterial infections in pelvic organs, genitals or
rectum. • Ectopic pregnancy. • Liver infection (perihepatitis). • Reiter's syndrome. • Abdominal adhesions (scarring).
S o u t h M i a m i O B - G Y N A s s o c i a t e s H elp fu l Res ou rces This fact sheet is meant to provide you with basic information about this medicine. As usual, any further questions should be discussed with your doctor or p 1. What is Serophene/Clomid? It is the brand name for Clomiphene citrate, which is a medicine that has been on the market since the 1960s and introd
1. Which of the following is NOT 9. Motor fl uctuations are best regarded as a cardinal symptom of defi ned as: Before December 7, 2011, print this page, complete the LEARNER FEEDBACK multiple choice questions by circling the correct answer and 2. All of the following are common QUESTIONS mail or fax to: ADVANCE for Nurses, Learning Scope, 2900 “non-motor” symptom