Chlamydia trachomatis: Clinical aspects of preventing tubal infertility and ectopic pregnancies.

Genital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is common, often asymptomatic, yet capable of causing extensive pelvic damage leading to infertility and tubal ectopic pregnancy. Reducing the impact of chlamydial infection involves developing and applying reliable criteria for screening sexually active adolescents and adults, using accurate screening methods for both women and men, ensuring that patients comply with the very effective treatment regimens, and effecting behavioural change that will diminish the risk of STD transmission.