![Chlamydia 1 Pap smear with chlamydia](https://brooksidepress.org/mil_ob_gyn/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/chlam001640-150x150.jpg)
Chlamydia is a common sexually-transmitted illness. It can be found in 5-20% of asymptomatic women, depending on their sexual history. In the majority of cases, it causes no problems, but in some patients, it causes:
- PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
- Infertility
- Cervicitis
![Chlamydia 2 Speculum view of the cervix with chlamydia-related cervicitis](https://brooksidepress.org/mil_ob_gyn/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/chlamydia1640-150x150.jpg)
Whenever chlamydia is suggested on a Pap smear, consider one of the following approaches:
- Assume chlamydia is present, treat with Doxycycline (or erythromycin or Azithromycin), and then perform a chlamydia culture to insure it has been eradicated, or
- Bring the patient in for a chlamydia culture. If positive, treat with Doxycycline (or erythromycin or Azithromycin). If negative, ignore.