Chlamydia: A Disease Lacking Star Status

Posted on | July 1, 2009 | Comments Off on Chlamydia: A Disease Lacking Star Status

Why is it that some diseases never reach “star status”. Take the case of Chlamydia. Over a million cases in 2007 in the US says the CDC. Source of significant discomfort with long term issues around infertility, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and possibly endometriosis. Affects over 10% of teenage women. Spread by intimate contact. Treatment is as easy as a single pill (azithromycin) for patient and partners with a repeat in 6 months (25% recur). Chlamydia testing is widely available, legal in all 50 states for teens, costs between $40 and $90, and can now be done at home (swab mailed in for men and women). The National Chlamydia Coalition needs your help in spreading the word.