Measure description
Percentage of women 16-24 years of age who were identified as sexually active and who had at least one test for chlamydia during the measurement period
Rationale
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the U.S., resulting in roughly 1.7 million cases (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019). Chlamydia infections are often asymptomatic, but, if left untreated, can lead to serious and irreversible complications (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2014; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).
Women are particularly vulnerable when infected with chlamydia. Left untreated, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to chronic pelvic pain or infertility. Pregnant women may also transmit the infection to their infant, potentially resulting in neonatal pneumonia (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).
Clinical Recommendation Statements
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2014) recommends screening for chlamydia in sexually active females aged 24 years or younger and in older women who are at increased risk for infection (B recommendation)