Chlamydia Chlamydia trachomatis is an atypical bacterium that causes two different general forms of sexually transmitted disease. The first type is urethritis/cerviticis -- an infection in the urinary tract of males, or in the cervix of the uterus in females. The second type is called Lymphogranuloma venereum, which begins as an ulcer in the genital area. Urethritis -- male Burning with urination Discharge from penis Cervicitis -- female May have no symptoms Vaginal discharge (white to yellow) Lower abdominal pain Lymphogranuloma venereum -- male Blister lesion/ulcer in genital area (may not be noticed) Swollen glands in the groin-may have multiple Multiple draining areas in the groin Lymphogranuloma venereum -- female Discharge (bloody pus) from rectum Anal pain Rectal pain after a bowel movement Constipation Sexual transmission DNA probe (swabs) Culture not usually done because expensive IgM immuno-fluorescence (blood test) Erythromycin Doxycycline Azithromycin Sexual partner(s) needs to be treated Chlamydia infections often scar the fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from ovaries to uterus). This is the leading cause of infertility in the United States. It is important that infected individuals and their sexual partners be treated promptly. During pregnancy, if Chlamydia is present, the newborn infant is at risk of developing Conjunctivitis and Pneumonia. Gonorrhea Syphilis Herpes Chancroid Tularemia Plague Anal Cancer Perianal Abscess