Genital chlamydial infections: epidemiology and reproductive sequelae
Article Abstract:
Chlamydia are the most common sexually transmitted bacteria in the US; it is estimated that 4 million cases of chlamydial infections occur each year. Chlamydial infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, inflammation in the male and female genital tracts, urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy occurring outside of the uterus), premature labor, and eye and lung infections in infants born to infected mothers. The symptoms of infection are less severe than those caused by gonorrhea, and it is possible to have a chlamydial infection without having any symptoms. Symptoms of infection include abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, bleeding between menstrual periods, and dysuria (pain during urination). It is estimated that up to 70 percent of infected women have no symptoms. Even though the symptoms associated with chlamydial infection may be mild, infection may result in severe damage to the fallopian tubes (the tubes that carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus) and infertility. The best protection against chlamydial infection is to use condoms during sexual intercourse. Chlamydial infections can be treated with a 7-to-10 day course of antibiotics, usually tetracycline or doxycycline. Since laboratory testing of chlamydial infections is expensive and difficult to perform, and since many cases have no symptoms, controlling or reducing the incidence of chlamydial infections has been difficult. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1991
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Recognition of the long-term sequelae of eclampsia
Article Abstract:
A scientist who followed 267 pregnant women who survived eclampsia between 1931 and 1974 recounts his experience. Eclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy that is 6 times more common in women having their first pregnancy compared to other pregnant women.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2000
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Syphilis: a barometer of community health
Article Abstract:
Lack of access to health care services is as much of a risk factor for syphilis as promiscuous sexual behavior. For this reason, it may be more appropriate to focus on changing healthcare systems than changing individual behavior.
Publication Name: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0148-5717
Year: 2000
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