Dear wondering,

Chlamydia is the most common and most invisible sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the United States. At least three million American women and men become infected every year. It's a type of bacteria that can cause sterility in women and men — if it's left untreated. Having unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse can put someone at high risk for getting chlamydia. It is also possible, but not very likely, to get chlamydia of the throat from oral sex.

Sexually transmitted infections are passed in different ways — through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and by sex play that doesn't include intercourse. Having unprotected oral sex (not using a latex barrier) puts a person at risk for

• gonorrhea
• syphilis
• chancroid
• herpes simplex virus
• hepatitis B virus
• CMV
• chlamydia

Oral sex cannot cause pregnancy. But it can pass infection. Using a barrier can reduce the risks. Glyde dams make good barriers for the vulva or anus. Condoms make good barriers for the penis. Many people use latex or plastic barriers that are non-lubricated or flavored for oral sex.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.