Complications of Chlamydia
Complications list for Chlamydia:
The list of complications that have been mentioned in various sources
for Chlamydia includes:
See also the symptoms of Chlamydia and Chlamydia: Introduction.
Complications and sequelae of Chlamydia from the Diseases Database include:
Source: Diseases Database
See also the symptoms of Chlamydia and Chlamydia: Introduction.
Complications of Chlamydia:
Chlamydia-Disease Information: DSTD (Excerpt)
If untreated,
chlamydia infection can progress to serious reproductive and other health
problems with both short-term and long-term consequences. Like the disease
itself, the damage that chlamydia causes is often "silent."
Untreated
chlamydia in men typically causes urethral infection. Infection sometimes
spreads to the epididymis (a tube that carries sperm from the testis),
causing pain, fever, and, potentially, infertility.
In women, the
chlamydia bacteria often infect the cells of the cervix. If not treated,
the infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes (egg canals)
and cause an infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This
happens in up to 40% of women with untreated chlamydia. PID can cause
permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and tissues surrounding
the ovaries. This damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and
potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the
uterus).
In pregnant
women, there is some evidence that chlamydia infections can lead to
premature delivery. Babies who are born when their mothers are infected
can get chlamydial infections in their eyes and respiratory tracts.
Chlamydia is a leading cause of early infant pneumonia and conjunctivitis
(pinkeye) in newborns.
Compared to
women who do not have chlamydia, women infected with chlamydia may also
have higher risk of acquiring HIV infection from an infected partner.
Chlamydia can cause proctitis (an infection of the lining of the rectum)
in persons having receptive anal intercourse. The bacterium also can be
found in the throats of women and men having oral sex with an infected
male partner. (Source: excerpt from Chlamydia-Disease Information: DSTD)
Chlamydia in the US: DSTD (Excerpt)
Up to 40% of
women with untreated chlamydia will develop PID. Undiagnosed PID caused by
chlamydia is common. Of those with PID, 20% will become infertile; 18%
will experience debilitating, chronic pelvic pain; and 9% will have a
life-threatening tubal pregnancy. Tubal pregnancy is the leading cause of
first-trimester, pregnancy-related deaths in American women.
Chlamydia may
also result in adverse outcomes of pregnancy, including neonatal
conjunctivitis and pneumonia. In addition, recent research has shown that
women infected with chlamydia have a 3 - 5 fold increased risk of
acquiring HIV, if exposed.
Chlamydia is
also common among young men, who are seldom offered screening. Untreated
chlamydia in men typically causes urethral infection, but may also result
in complications such as swollen and tender testicles. (Source: excerpt from Chlamydia in the US: DSTD)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases Statistics, NIAID Fact Sheet: NIAID (Excerpt)
If not adequately treated, 20 to 40 percent of women with
genital chlamydial infections develop pelvic inflammatory disease
(PID), which in turn causes problems such as infertility, ectopic
pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain. (Source: excerpt from Sexually Transmitted Diseases Statistics, NIAID Fact Sheet: NIAID)
Chlamydia Symptoms: Book Excerpts
You may also want to research other symptoms
in our Symptoms Center.
About complications:
Complications of Chlamydia are secondary conditions, symptoms, or other disorders that are
caused by Chlamydia.
In many cases the distinction between symptoms of Chlamydia and complications
of Chlamydia is unclear
or arbitrary.
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