What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by bacteria. It is passed through oral, vaginal/front hole, or anal sex. Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics, however if left untreated it can become serious. It is important to get tested for chlamydia regularly when you are sexually active to ensure that you can access treatment if you test positive.
Symptoms
Some symptoms in people with vaginas may include:
- A new or different discharge from the vagina
- Lower abdominal pain
- Unusual pain or bleeding during or after sex
Some symptoms in people with penises may include:
- A cloudy or milky discharge from the penis
- Pain in the testicles
- Pain in the lower abdomen
Often, however, chlamydia will have no noticeable symptoms. For this reason, it is recommended to get tested for STIs every three months while you are sexually active.
Transmission
Chlamydia is passed through vaginal fluids and semen (cum) that contain the bacteria that causes the infection. Oral, vaginal or front hole, and anal sex can transmit chlamydia. Barrier methods such as internal or external condoms and dental dams can decrease the likelihood of transmitting chlamydia during sex.
Testing
Testing for chlamydia is done by either taking a swab of the suspected infected area or through a urine test. For more information on STBBI testing in NL, please visit our page on HIV/STBBI Testing.
Treatment
As noted above, chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. If you are being treated for chlamydia, your sexual partner(s) need to be treated as well. Its is recommended that you abstain from oral, vaginal, and anal sex for at least 7 days after finishing chlamydia treatment to avoid transmitting the infection to your partner(s). It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol use during treatment, if possible.
Untreated Chlamydia
While chlamydia is easy to cure, it can be serious if left untreated. In people assigned female at birth, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection in the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries) which can cause infertility or tubal pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus). In people assigned male at birth, the infection can spread to the testicles or prostate gland and may cause sterility (not being able to conceive a child).