Chlamydia (cla•mid•dee•ah)
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused
by a bacteria most often spread through sexual contact. It
is especially common among teens and young adults ages
15-24. Chlamydia is the most common STD in Vance
County and the US. Eighty percent (80%) of the cases
in Vance County occur in young adults ages 15-24.
What are the symptoms?
MOST people with chlamydia DO NOT have symptoms.
Symptoms may start 1-3 weeks after being infected
and might include:
For FREE, confidential STD testing contact:
Granville Vance Public Health
(252) 492-7915 (Henderson)
(919) 693-2141 (Oxford)
NO, IT DOESN’T HURT
GET TALKING
Got a Question?
Get confidential, factually accurate answers to
sexual health questions via text message.
Text BrdsNBz for free, factual and confidential
answers to your sexual health questions.
• Men: discharge from the penis, burning when peeing,
pain or swelling in the testicles.
1) Text “NCTEEN” to 66746
2) Text your question
3) Get answers from
a trained sexual health
educator
How can I prevent chlamydia?
A service of the Adolescent Pregnancy
Prevention Campaign of North Carolina.
• Women: pain or itching around the vagina, abnormal
vaginal discharge, burning when peeing
YES, IT’S EASY
GET TESTED
USE A CONDOM
ounty
C
Vance
• Use a condom EVERY TIME you have sex (of any kind).
• Limit your number of sex partners.
• Talk with your partner about their STD status and
getting tested.
What if I don’t get treated?
Left untreated, chlamydia can:
• Increase your chances of getting or giving HIV –
the virus that causes AIDS.
•
For more information, visit the website at
www.TalkTestProtect.org
Talk.Test.Protect. is an educational awareness campaign aimed at increasing chlamydia
testing, fostering communication with partners and providers, and encouraging
condom use. Funded by the Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, the program is
a joint effort between Granville Vance Public Health, People Designs and the North
Carolina Institute for Public Health.
1 in 2 sexually active young
people will get an STD by
age 25 – most won’t know it.
Cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women –
a serious infection of the reproductive organs.
Talk Test Protect
• Cause infertility and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy
outside the womb).
Brochure adapted from the CDC GYT campaign - gytnow.org
www.TalkTestProtect.org
CHLAMYDIA - TREAT IT. DON’T FORGET IT.
www.TalkTestProtect.org
Get Tested
Get Talking
Use a Condom
What’s the test like?
Talk to your partner about getting tested
• It’s easy, confidential, and pain free (no needles).
• Know the facts. That way you can answer any
questions your partner might have.
Condoms are the ONLY method that protect against HIV,
STDs, and pregnancy. But only if used correctly each and
every time you have sex.
• Usually involves a painless swab or peeing in a cup.
• If you test positive, most people only need ONE dose of
antibiotics (pills) to CURE it.
When should I get tested?
• After you have unprotected sex, especially if you don’t
know your partner’s status or if you have a new partner.
• At least once a year for men and women under 25 or
if you have multiple sex partners.
• 3 months after you are treated for an STD. • When you are pregnant.
Should my partner get treated?
• YES. Recent sex partners must be treated before having
sex again. You can get chlamydia MANY times, so you
might get re-infected if your partner hasn’t been treated.
• Ask your provider about Expedited Partner
Therapy (EPT). If your partner might not seek
treatment, ask your provider about EPT – bringing the
treatment (antibiotics) to your partner.
• Time it right. Start the conversation when you have
time and privacy, and before things start to heat up.
Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent STDs and pregnancy.
• Take charge. Don’t wait for your partner to bring it up.
They’ll probably be relieved that you brought it up.
According to the CDC, when used consistently and correctly
latex condoms are ”highly effective” in preventing the
sexual transmission of HIV and many other STDs.
• Listen. Are you on the same page about testing? If not,
consider if this is the kind of person you want to have a
relationship with. After all, this is about your health.
Talk to your provider
• Ask to be tested. Don’t assume you or your health
care provider will know you have a STD or that your
provider will automatically test for STDs.
• Know your rights. In NC, a minor has the legal right
to obtain medical care for STD treatment and testing
without the permission of a parent or guardian. By
law the doctor cannot tell anyone if you receive these
services. While it’s ideal to involve an adult in the
decision making process sometimes this isn’t always
possible for all minors.
GET TESTED.
It’s the only way to know for sure.
Talk to your doctor about the test or call the Health Department about
FREE, confidential STD testing (next to Maria Parham Medical Center)
(252) 492-7915
How effective are condoms?
Condoms are also 98% effective in preventing pregnancy
when used correctly, every time.
• DO wear a condom each and every time you have sex,
even oral. NO EXCUSES!
• DO use only latex or polyurethane condoms, and
always check the expiration date!
• DO put a condom on before you start having sex and
keep it on the entire time…from start to finish.
• DON’T open a condom wrapper with your teeth
or scissors.
• DON’T buy the excuses - “I’m too big.”“It doesn’t feel
good.” etc. NO CONDOM, NO SEX!
2 in 5 people with chlamydia in Vance County will get
reinfected again – usually from an untreated partner.
Chlamydia is the leading preventable
cause of infertility in the US.
www.TalkTestProtect.org