Chlamydia Infection in Females
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted
disease, or STD, caused by the organism Chlamydia
trachomatis. Sexually transmitted disease refers to any contagious
disease transmitted from one person to another during sexual contact. In women,
the infection usually occurs in the urinary tract, pelvis, or cervix. The
cervix is the opening between the vagina and the uterus.
What is going on in the body?
The organism Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia
infection. It infects the cells and causes a number of changes. The organism is
usually passed from one partner to another during sexual intercourse. An
infection can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during birth.
This can cause eye infections or pneumonia in the infant.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
The organism that causes a chlamydia infection is usually passed
from one partner to another during sexual intercourse. Any other intimate
contact of the genitals, mouth, rectal area, or the sharing of sexual toys can
transmit the organism from one individual to another.
Factors that make some women more likely to have a chlamydia infection are as follows:
being sexually active and younger than 20 years old
having a low socioeconomic status
not using barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms
having more than one sexual partner
using oral
contraceptives
having sex with a partner who previously has had a sexually transmitted disease
having sex with a male who has a chlamydia infection of the urinary
tract
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