Menstruation, periodic discharge from the vagina of blood, secretions, and disintegrating mucous membrane that had lined the uterus. 1  The biological significance of the process in humans can best be explained by reference to the reproductive function in other mammals.
Chlamydial (kla-MID-ee-al) infections are caused by three species of microorganisms. Chlamydia trachomatis can cause eye or lung infections and can also infect the urinary and genital areas of both men and women. Chlamydia pneumoniae causes infections of the respiratory tract, and Chlamydia psittaci causes an illness, known as parrot fever, that is similar to the flu.
Rarely, genital chlamydial infection can cause arthritis with associated skin lesions and ocular inflammation (Reiter syndrome). Chlamydia trachomatis can be transmitted from the mother during deliver and is associated with conjunctivitis and pneumonia. Finally, Chlamydia trachomatis may cause hepatitis and pharyngitis in adults. Once detected, the infection is easily treated by a short course of antibiotic therapy. Annual chlamydia screening is now recommended for all sexually active women age 25 years and younger, and for older women with risk factors for infection, such as a new sex partner or multiple sex partners.