What can be done to prevent the infection?

Several safer sex practices can help prevent the spread of chlamydia infection. Male condoms and female condoms provide some protection. Single partner relationships are safer than sexual interaction with multiple partners.

Any new partners should be asked about their sexual history and should be tested for sexually transmitted disease. Sexual contact should be postponed until the tests show no infection in the partner.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Chlamydia infection can cause acute epididymitis, or inflammation of a structure attached to the testes. Rectal chlamydia can cause narrowing of the rectum or ulcers in the rectum.

What are the risks to others?

If a chlamydia infection is not treated, a man can pass it to any sexual partner. This is true even if he does not have symptoms. Chlamydia infections in females can lead to cancer of the cervix, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is one in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.