Chlamydia infection can cause serious problems if left untreated, but these problems can be avoided with treatment. Infection is caused by a germ that invades certain types of healthy cells. Infection may be passed through sexual activity, including oral sex. Chlamydia is most likely to occur in young people who have more than one sexual partner. It may also occur in women who have other sexually transmitted diseases.
Some doctors believe chlamydia occurs more commonly in women who take oral contraceptives.
Barrier methods of contraception, such as diaphragms and condoms used with spermicides, may offer protection from chlamydial infections. There may be pelvic pain, or there may be no symptoms at all. PID can result from an untreated infection that spreads throughout the pelvic area. If a PID infection is prolonged or recurrent, the reproductive organs, Fallopian tubes and uterus may be damaged, with formation of adhesions. Surgery may be required to repair them.