What is Chlamydia can be better understood with information about the different infections that are caused by the different strains of these bacteria. Chlamydia includes Chlamydia pneumonia, Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia trachomatis causes a common sexually transmitted disease and as many as 4 million people are affected by this infection every year in America.

Information on what is Chlamydia reveals that this infection is prevalent among young women belonging to the age group of 16 to 24 years. Chlamydia is caused by sexual contact with an infected person and may involve vaginal, oral and anal sex. This infection may also be passed on by an infected woman who is pregnant to her newborn child during a vaginal delivery.

Information about what is Chlamydia also reveals that this infection can result in complications if timely treatment is not sought. The complications that can occur in the absence of treatment include tubal pregnancy and infertility among women. Among newborn children Chlamydia can result in pneumonia and neonatal conjunctivitis.

Understanding the symptoms associated with this condition is important to understanding what is Chlamydia. The symptoms in this condition include vaginal or penile discharge. The discharge may be off white and may be accompanied with odor. In many case no symptoms may be observed. In other cases the symptoms may include lower abdominal pain along with fever and nausea. Woman may also experience bleeding in between menstrual cycles.

Pain during urination and following intercourse is also commonly experienced. Men tend to experience testicular pain and swelling in the testicles. Diagnosis of this condition can be done through some tests such as the DNA amplification test. Other tests include the Amplicor Chlamydia trachomatis test.

For detecting the infection normally a sample of a person’s urine or swab from the urethra or cervix are taken. Treatment for this infection includes taking antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline. Azithromycin is taken as a single dose while doxycycline needs to be taken twice every day for a period of a week. Condoms should be used while indulging in sexual contact and it is advisable to abstain from sexual contact till the time the treatment is completed.

Information on what is Chlamydia can also help a person learn about prevention of this infection. Individuals who have multiple sexual partners are at a greater risk of getting this infection. Engaging in sexual activity in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected person can help in avoiding this infection. Use of condoms can also reduce the possibility of getting this infection.