Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the United States. Infected individuals often do not exhibit symptoms.

Possible Signs and Symptoms
Individuals often do not have symptoms.
If symptoms do occur, it is usually between 1 and 3 weeks after exposure
Abnormal discharge from penis or vagina
Burning or painful sensation while urinating
Irritation around anus
Itching around opening of penis (men)
Bleeding between menstrual periods (women)
Painful intercourse (women)
Lower abdominal or back pain (women)

Transmission
Oral, anal, or vaginal sex
Infected mother to newborn during vaginal birth

Complications/Effects if Left Untreated
Increased risk for HIV infection
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (women)
Infertility
Ectopic (tubal) pregnancy
Chronic pelvic pain
If left untreated during pregnancy:
Premature delivery
Low birth weight in newborns
Severe eye and respiratory tract infections in newborns

In 2006 Atlantic County reported 881 cases of chlamydia, 4,882 cases for Essex County, 2,200 cases for Camden County, 1,885 cases for Hudson County, 1,187 cases for Passaic County, and 1,377 casses for Union County. Statewide, there were 20,194 cases of chlampydia reported in 2006.

Infertility Prevention Project (IPP)

The New Jersey IPP participates in the CDC’s Region II IPP for the control of STD-related infertility. This regional effort is aimed at preventing chlamydia infection in young women by providing screening services through local STD and family planning clinics. STD/family planning clinics currently provide patient care, treatment, education, and partner referral and treatment services. In addition, the New Jersey STD Program has expanded the IPP to provide these services in select School-Based funded programs and County Juvenile Detention Centers.

*Taken from NJDHSS