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Since approximately 75% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms, most people infected with chlamydia are not aware of their infections and therefore may not seek health care. Although 526,653 cases were reported in 1997, an estimated 3 million cases occur annually. Severe under-reporting is largely a result of substantial numbers of asymptomatic persons whose infections are not identified because screening is not available. Untreated chlamydia in men typically causes urethral infection, but may also result in complications such as swollen and tender testicles. In addition, recent research has shown that women infected with chlamydia have a 3- to 5-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV, if exposed.
When diagnosed, chlamydia can be easily treated and cured by conventional medical means. All women with infection of the cervix and all pregnant women should be tested.
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