Prevention, Testing & Treatment

Chlamydia

Chlamydia usually spreads through sexual contact, but may be passed from an infected mother to a baby during birth. Close to 3 million Americans get it every year, most commonly among 14-24-year-olds. Chlamydia can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, eyes, and throat. Chlamydia can be cured but left untreated may lead to infertility in women.

Symptoms

Typically, chlamydia has no symptoms, however when symptoms do occur these can include:

• Pain or burning while peeing

• Pain during sex

• Lower belly pain

• Abnormal vaginal discharge (may be yellowish and have a strong smell)

• Bleeding between periods

• Pus or a watery/milky discharge from the penis

• Swollen or tender testicles

• Pain, discharge and/or bleeding around the anus

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood from an infected person. For some people, hepatitis C is a short-term illness. However, for more than half of people who become infected with the hepatitis C virus it becomes a long-term infection. Chronic hepatitis C can result in potentially life-threatening health problems.

The hepatitis C virus is usually spread when someone comes into contact with blood from an infected person. This can happen through:

• Sex with an infected person.

• Sharing drug-injection equipment.

• Approximately 6% of infants born to infected mothers will get hepatitis C.

• Healthcare exposures.

• Unregulated tattoos or body piercings.

Sharing personal items such as glucose monitors, razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and other items that may have come into contact with infected blood.

Symptoms