Chlamydia

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Definition Symptoms Causes When to seek medical advice

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Definition

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection of your genital tract that spreads easily through sexual contact. You may not know you have chlamydia because the signs and symptoms of pain and fluid discharge don't show up right away, if they show up at all. Many people experience no signs and symptoms.

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. Each year, nearly 3 million people in the United States are infected with chlamydia. The disease affects both men and women and occurs in all age groups, though chlamydia is most prevalent among U.S. teenagers.

Chlamydia isn't difficult to treat once you know you have it. If it's left untreated, however, chlamydia can lead to more-serious health problems.

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Symptoms