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  • If I caught chlamydia conjunctivitis on my left eye (from hand to eye), can it later infect my sexual organs?


    Question:

    If I caught chlamydia conjunctivitis on my left eye (from hand to eye), can it later infect my sexual organs?


    Answer:

    Chlamydia conjunctivitis is a sexually transmitted disease from chlamydia trachomatis. Transmission is from direct contact of the eye with infected urinary or genital fluids. Eye to eye transmission is extremely rare. It would be very unlikely for eye secretions to lead to the genitalia infection. It always works the other way around.

    Topical antibiotics, like erythromycin ointment, can help reduce the symptoms of chlamydia conjunctivitis, such as red eye, irritation, and discharge. Systemic antibiotics (drugs that can affect the whole body, not just the eye) are mandatory with either tetracycline or doxycycline by mouth in adults for two weeks. Children should take systemic erythromycin. All sexual partners should be treated with oral medications as well.


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