STD CHLAMYDIA INFECTIONS: HOW IS CHLAMYDIA TRANSMITTED?
Chlamydia is transmitted through sexual contact with a person who is infected, whether or not that person has symptoms. It can be transmitted through oral, genital, or anal sex, and possibly by sex toys. Some people think that if a male partner does not ejaculate, then infection with chlamydia (and other STDs) cannot take place. This is not true! Condoms help prevent transmission of chlamydia and should be used consistently and correctly, and with every contact for oral, genital, or anal sex when a partner’s status for infection is unknown. The spermicide nonoxynol-9 has antibacterial properties and may help prevent chlamydia infection, especially if used with condoms.
An infant born to a mother who has chlamydia can become infected when passing through an infected birth canal. Such an infant may develop infection in several different areas. About 50 percent of newborns of mothers with chlamydia in the cervix acquire a chlamydia eye infection when passing through the birth canal. About 10 percent become infected in the lungs, often developing symptoms several months after birth. Occasionally children who are born to infected mothers develop infection in the vagina and rectum, but child abuse must always also be considered in these circumstances. Chlamydia can also cause miscarriage, premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, and delivery of a low-birth-weight infant.
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