Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Northwest Portland Area
Indian Health Board
“Respecting Our Bodies and Relationships”
PROJECT RED TALON
Chlamydia
The “Silent” STD
Quick Quiz!
(answers below)
1. Chlamydia is caused by a:
a. Bacteria b. Virus
c. Protozoa d. Fungus
2. True or False: People always
get symptoms when they have
chlamydia.
3. True or False: Chlamydia is curable.
4. True or False: Even if there are no
symptoms, chlamydia can still result
in complications - including infertility.
5. What is the only foolproof way to
prevent chlamydia?
6. True or False: Condoms can protect
you from chlamydia.
ANSWERS: 1:A 2:F 3:T 4:T 5:Abstinence
6:T, if used consistently and correctly.
Northwest Portland Area
Indian Health Board
527 SW Hall, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97201
Phone: (503) 228-4185
Toll Free: (887) 955-5519
Fax: (503) 228-8182
www.npaihb.org
PROJECT RED TALON
The activities of Project Red Talon are funded
by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC). This project is designed
to provide tribes in Idaho, Oregon, and
Washington with education, training, and
technical assistance for the prevention and
treatment of STDs.
Award Number: U83/CCU024369-01
For more information contact:
Stephanie Craig Rushing, MPH
Project Director—Project Red Talon
Lisa Griggs
Administrative Assistant—Project Red Talon
Questions about STDs?
Contact:
v Your Tribal Clinic
v National STD Hotline - 1-800-227-8922
v National Indian AIDS Line - 1-800-283-2437
v Hepatitis Information - 1-800-223-0179
v National Herpes Hotline - 1-919-361-8488
v CDC National AIDS Hotline - 1-800-342-AIDS
v CDC National AIDS Clearinghouse -
1-800-458-5231
v Alcohol, Drug & Pregnancy Hotline -
1-800-638-BABY
v Boystown National Youth Hotline -
1-800-448-3000
v National Gay & Lesbian Youth Hotline -
1-800-676-TEEN
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a Sexually
Transmitted Disease
(STD) caused by the
bacteria Chlamydia
trachomatis.
This bacteria can cause damage to a
woman’s reproductive organs, which can
result in serious, permanent damage. It
can also cause penile discharge in men.
How Do I Get It?
You CAN get chlamydia from:
• Vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• Being born to an infected mother.
You CANNOT get chlamydia from:
• Toilet seats, doorknobs, etc.
• Swimming pools or hot tubs.
• Shared clothing.
Remember - You can get chlamydia again
(be re-infected) even if you had it before
and were successfully treated.
Re-infection is particularly dangerous
in women because multiple infections
increases the risk of reproductive health
complications, including infertility.
Signs and Symptoms -
Why Is It Called “Silent?”
Most infections do not produce any
noticeable symptoms. If symptoms do
occur, they usually appear 1-3 weeks
after exposure.
Even if there are no symptoms, the
infection can cause serious health
problems, including infertility and death.
Possible Symptoms:
Women - Genital Infection
75% of infections produce no signs
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Burning sensation when urinating
Lower abdominal or back pain
Nausea or fever
Pain during intercourse
Bleeding
Pelvic Inammatory Disease
(PID): 40% of women with untreated
chlamydia develop PID. PID can cause
permanent damage to the fallopian tubes,
uterus, and surrounding tissues. PID can
lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and
ectopic pregnancy, which can be fatal.
Men - Genital Infection
50% of infections produce no signs
Discharge from penis
Burning sensation when urinating
Burning or itching around the opening
of the penis
Rectal Infection (from anal
sex)
Throat Infection (from oral
sex)
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Quick Fact: In the U.S.,
chlamydia rates are over two times
higher among American Indians than
other ethnicities. Chlamydia is the most
common bacterial STD in the US.
Chlamydia
trachomatis.
Quick Fact: People infected with
chlamydia are 2-5 times more likely to
become infected with HIV, if exposed.
Testing - Laboratory tests are available
to detect the bacteria using a urine test
or swab.
Treatment - Chlamydia can be easily
cured with antibiotics. Because you can
become re-infected with Chlamydia, it
is important that all sex partners of an
infected person be tested and treated.
People with chlamydia should not have
sexual contact until they - and their sex
partners - have completed treatment.
Reduce your Risk - What Works:
Abstinence
Annual screening: All sexually-active
women under age 25 should be
screened at least once a year.
Sticking to one mutually-
monogamous partner, who has been
tested and is uninfected.
Good communication between
partners about sexual history.
Latex condoms (if used consistently
and correctly).
Avoiding alcohol and drugs.
What DOESN’T Work:
“Pulling out” (removing the penis
from the vagina before ejaculation
occurs).
Birth control (pill, injection, patch...)
Washing genitals, urinating, or
douching after sex.
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