Sex education is nothing new for this generation’s teenagers, but with the commonality of many sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, it is likely for most to become a negative statistic. A source that chose to remain anonymous claimed, “Safe sex is the way to go, keeps you STD free and prevents pregnancies…anything else is risky.”

What is chlamydia: Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (spreads during oral, vaginal, or anal sex) that can infect both men and women. If left untreated it can cause permanent damage to the women’s reproductive system.

Symptoms: to look for in men include: “White, cloudy or watery discharge from the tip of the penis; Pain, discomfort or a ‘burning sensation’ when urinating; Inflammation, tenderness, and pain in and around the testicles.” Symptoms in women may include: “Pain or bleeding during sex, Bleeding (or ‘spotting’) between periods, Nausea or fever, Abdominal, lower back pain or a heavy feeling around the hips.” (Zavamed.com)

Treatment: for chlamydia is relatively easy. You must first schedule an appointment with a doctor. You will take a test and if it comes back positive for chlamydia you will be prescribed medication that will stop the infection and cure you of the disease

Helpful Resources

STD information and referrals to STD Clinics
CDC-INFO
1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
TTY: 1-888-232-6348
In English, en Español

CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN)
P.O. Box 6003
Rockville, MD 20849-6003
E-mail: [email protected]

American Sexual Health Association (ASHA)External
P.O. Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3827
1-800-783-9877