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Region V Infertility Prevention Project

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National Project

In 1993 Congress appropriated funds to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to begin a national STD-related Infertility Prevention Program. The program was designed to improve screening, surveillance and treatment of the infection, Chlamydia trachomatis, in the United States. By 1996 the CDC had contracted with all states for demonstration level health funding to provide tests/treatment for chlamydia in selected family planning and sexually transmitted disease clinics.

Regional Project

The Region V Infertility Prevention Project (RVIPP) is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is aimed at reducing the prevalence of chlamydia infection in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Region V. The project is designed to create and sustain an infrastructure that fosters a working relationship between STD projects, family planning projects and state board of health laboratories in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Since 1994 the states have worked collaboratively through the RVIPP Advisory Committee. During the past 11 years, the members of the RVIPP Advisory Committee have collaborated to develop screening criteria, collect data, establish volume purchasing, exchange information and research, and set regional objectives. Each state has an infertility prevention state alliance that relays recommendations to the Advisory Committee, and in turn, receives guidance from the region.

Since the origin of this project, regional activities have been coordinated by Health Care Education and Training, Inc. (HCET), a non-profit organization that provides training, technical assistance, and infrastructure development on issues of reproductive and women’s health within the region. HCET serves professionals, health care systems, and communities to enhance health.

Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) Overview

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most common bacterial, sexually transmitted infection in the United States with an estimated 2.8 million new infections occurring annually. Approximately 75% of infected women and 50% of infected men have no symptoms, and therefore, may not seek health care until severe health problems occur. Infection with chlamydia can result in substantial costs both in terms of morbidity and dollars. When diagnosed chlamydia can be easily treated and cured, but untreated chlamydia can cause severe and costly reproductive health problems including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is linked to infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

Any sexually active individual can be at risk for chlamydia if he or she engages in risky sexual behavior. Adolescents and young women are at particular risk for infection because the cells within the cervix are not fully matured. Screening at least annually for chlamydia is recommended for women aged 25 years and younger to prevent the consequences that could result from a chlamydia infection.

Transmission of chlamydia can be prevented or reduced by abstaining from sexual contact, being in a mutually monogamous relationship where both partners have been tested and are found to be uninfected, or by using latex male condoms consistently and correctly.

For more information go to:

Chlamydia Trachomatis Awareness Campaign

The RVIPP Client Services and Advocacy Subcommittees have collaborated to create a Chlamydia Awareness Campaign targeting clinicians throughout the region. The purpose of this campaign is to emphasize the impact of chlamydial infection on women and the importance of screening and treatment. A sample of the materials distributed by each state is provided.

Chlamydia Trachomatis Self-Study Manual

This self study manual is designed for clinic staff at infertility prevention sites to provide information on the history and purpose of the Infertility Prevention Project, a medical overview of Chlamydia trachomatis infection, screening and treatment guidelines, client education and counseling guidelines, laboratory technologies used in the diagnosis of chlamydia, and quality assurance practices. Nursing continuing education credit is offered upon successful completion of manual review and testing.

 


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 Last update: 06/02/09