Is Chlamydia dangerous?
Chlamydia is a serious health threat. In women, the infection usually begins on the cervix. It can spread to the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Especially if left untreated, chlamydia may cause PID — pelvic inflammatory disease — in up to 40 percent of infected women. PID can scar and block the fallopian tubes. That can make a woman sterile and unable to get pregnant. Fertilized eggs may not reach the uterus because tubes are blocked. If they develop in the tubes, this is called an ectopic pregnancy. A woman may die if a pregnancy develops outside her uterus unless it is removed with medication or surgery. Women with PID of the fallopian tubes are seven to 10 times more likely than other women to have ectopic pregnancies. Testing and treatment for Chlamydia cuts the incidence of PID by 56 percent. The symptoms of PID include: • abnormal mucus discharge • fever • longer and/or heavier periods • more cramping during periods • pain during pelvic exam • pain during vaginal intercourse • pain
