infections
Chlamydia and Other Nongonococcal Infections
Introduction
Chlamydial infections include sexually transmitted infections of the urethra, cervix, and rectum that are caused by the bacteriaChlamydia trachomatis. These bacteria can also infect the membranes that cover the whites of the eyes (conjunctiva) and the throat. Other bacteria, such asUreaplasmaandMycoplasma, can also cause infections of the urethra. Symptoms include a discharge from the penis or vagina and painful or more frequent urination. If unnoticed or untreated in women, these infections can result in infertility and an increased risk of a mislocated (ectopic) pregnancy. DNA tests of a sample of the discharge or of urine can detect chlamydia. Antibiotics can cure the infection, and sex partners should be treated at the same time. Using condoms during genital sex can help prevent passing these infections from one person to another. (See also Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) .) , cause similar diseases, all of which resemble Gonorrhea . Laboratories can identify chlamydiae but have difficulty identifying the other bacteria, so these are sometimes called nongonococcal infections. Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI in the United States; over 1.5 million cases were reported in 2020. Because the infection frequently causes no symptoms, twice as many people may actually be infected than are reported to have chlamydia. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea cause similar symptoms. Both can cause urethral infections ( Sometimes people have gonorrhea and chlamydia at the same time. 