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This is the most common STD. It is caused by the bacterium Chlaymida tracomatis. First diagnosed in the 20th century, it has been a reportable disease since 1990.
How Spread:
It is spread through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex with an infected person by semen, vaginal fluid or infected cells in the back of the throat. It can also be spread from a mother to her baby during delivery. Untreated, it can result in serious infection of the lining of womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. It may cause sterility in men and women.
Symptoms:
Many men and women have no symptoms. Men may have discharge and itching around the opening of the penis, burning sensation when they urinate or pain in testicles. A urine test is used for diagnosis. Women may have increased vaginal discharge, pain during urination, pain in lower abdomen or during sexual intercourse. A swab is taken from the cervix for diagnosis. Swabs may also be taken from the throat and rectum.
Treatment: Antibiotics. No sex for seven days after treatment is finished. All sexual partners in past 90 days should be examined and treated.
Prevention: Always use a condom or dental dam.
Demographics:
People aged 20 to 24 have the highest rates of chlamydia of all age groups, more than 1,200 per 100,000 population, followed by those aged 15 to 19 with a rate of 900 per 100,000, according to the Toronto Department of Public Health. It has been sharply rising since a low rate of 700 per 100,000 was achieved in 1997.
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