Curable STDs - Infections

Chlamydia (popular names: the clam, gooey stuff)

Some specimens of the bacterium causing chlamydia (lat. chlamydia trachomatis)

1. What is it?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, usually of the sex organs, but, depending on the type of sexual contact, it can also affect the mouth, the throat and/or the rectum. Very often, the infected person has no symptoms but can transmit the disease to others. If untreated, it can lead to serious health problems.

2. What causes it?
Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis. It belongs to a group of bacteria responsible for a variety of other diseases. Some of these are also sexually transmissible.

3. How is it transmitted?
Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.