Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacteria that can infect mucus membranes in the eye or in the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, or urethra during vaginal or anal intercourse. It can also be transmitted during birth. The costs of treating the sequelae to these untreated infections is enormous. Great savings can be accomplished by timely and targeted screening and early treatment. Untreated chlamydia can lead to severe and costly complications in women, men, and newborn infants.
Individuals infected with chlamydia often lack symptoms, making diagnosis more difficult.
Therefore, many infections go undetected until serious problems arise. Further complications include epididymitis, which can cause infertility. Rates of chlamydia infection are highest among young men and women. Adolescents and young adults are probably at a greater risk than older adults for acquiring sexually transmitted infections because of behavioral factors such as having multiple sex partners, engaging in unprotected intercourse, and choosing high-risk partners. There are public health and financial benefits to screening for chlamydia.