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Chlamydia infections in women - Overview

Definition of Chlamydia infections in women:

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease. This article discusses chlamydia infections in women.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.

Different strains of chlamydia cause genital, eye, lymph node, and respiratory infections.

A baby born to a woman with a chlamydia infection of the cervix may develop eye or lung infections.

Chlamydia is transmitted through sexual activity. Sexually active individuals and individuals with multiple partners are at highest risk for chlamydia infections.

Female reproductive anatomy

Uterus

Antibodies

Reviewed last on: 6/7/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Stamm WE, Batteiger BE. Chlamydiatrachomatis (trachoma, perinatal infections, lymphogranuloma venereum, and other genital infections). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 180.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for chlamydial infection: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147:128-134.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Workowski KA, Berman SM. Diseases characterized by urethritis and cervicitis. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines MMWR. 2006;55:35-49.

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Chlamydia infections in women - Overview

Definition of Chlamydia infections in women:

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

References

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