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    Did you know? If you or a family member will be out of the province for more than three months, you need to make sure your health coverage remains in place. Call Health Registration at 1-800-667-7551. Read more about health benefits. Sexually Transmitted Infections and Information ChlamydiaChlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacteria. How is chlamydia spread?Chlamydia is spread through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex with an infected person. A pregnant woman with chlamydia can pass the infection to the baby during pregnancy or childbirth. Signs and symptomsSome men and women can be infected with chlamydia and not know it. Others may have symptoms. Males may have pain or burning on urination with clear to milky discharge from the penis. Females may have unusual or increased vaginal discharge, pain or burning on urination or pelvic pain. Females may have spotting between periods or miss periods. Symptoms may appear one to six weeks after infection. Testing and diagnosisA urine sample is sent for testing. Periodic testing is recommended for people who are at risk. Talk to your doctor or public health nurse. TreatmentChlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. The antibiotic treatment usually consists of taking four pills all at once. Pregnant women may need different antibiotics. Your public health nurse or doctor can give the antibiotics to you free of charge. Your sexual partner(s) must be tested and treated. This must be done before you have unprotected sex again. Long term problems if chlamydia is not treatedIn females, the fallopian tubes and ovaries may become infected, which may lead to chronic pelvic pain, tubal pregnancy or infertility. Men can have swelling of the urethra and testicles, which can cause sterility. Ways to reduce risk of infection
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