What are the long term effects of chlamydia?
In women, untreated Chlamydia trachomatis can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This probably occurs in about 40% of women with untreated Chlamydia trachomatis. PID can – and frequently does – cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, the uterus and surrounding tissues. The damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Women who have been infected with chlamydia much more likely to become infected with HIV, if exposed to it later. Chlamydia trachomatis can cause proctitis, infection of the lining of the rectum, in people who have anal sex with a partner who has chlamydia. Chlamydia trachomatis can also be found in the throats of people who have oral sex. Untreated Chlamydia trachomatis in men may spread to the sperm delivery system. This may cause pain, fever, and even infertility.
