Wondering what all the fuss is about a tiny germ with a very long name? Find out everything there is to know about Chlamydia trachomatis, from the scientific to the up close and personal.
Chlamydia germ
Chlamydia (pronounced "Kla-mi-dee-yuh") is the name of a bacteria that can infect some of the reproductive organs in women and men.
When Chlamydia bacteria multiply in the body and cause harm, an infection occurs. In women, Chlamydia usually infects the cervix and in men it usually infects the urethra. This little bug can also travel and multiply in other parts of the reproductive system in women and men, such as into the uterus and Fallopian tubes in women and the epididymis and prostate gland in men.
Female Reproductive System (side)
Male Reproductive System (side)
Female Reproductive System (front)
Male Reproductive System (front)
Chlamydia infection is passed on, or transmitted, by unprotected sexual contact, including penis-vagina intercourse, anal intercourse and oral sex. The Chlamydia bacteria survive in semen and vaginal secretions so this is how they 'travel' from one person to another.
