Can you tell me more about chlamydia?

Dear Need to know asap!!! and Curious, 

Sounds like it’s time to talk about the who, what, where, when, and why of this sexually transmitted infection (STI). Chlamydia is a common STI caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It can spread when mucous membranes come into contact with infected sexual fluids, such as vaginal fluids, semen, and pre-ejaculate. Transmission can occur through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has an active chlamydia infection. Additionally, pregnant people with chlamydia can pass the infection onto their children during vaginal childbirth. For many people, chlamydia doesn’t show any symptoms. The good news is that it can be detected with simple urine or swab tests! 

While chlamydia is typically asymptomatic, some individuals have reported experiencing: 

• Abnormal vaginal discharge 
• Painful urination 
• Penile discharge 
• Testicular pain or swelling 
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding if chlamydia was contracted through anal sex 
• Pain or discomfort in the abdomen 

List adapted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

Luckily, there are tests available to detect chlamydia. A urine sample or swab of the genital, anal, or throat area should do the trick! And, if test results do come back positive, the infection can be effectively treated and cured with the proper use of antibiotics, regardless of gender. While on antibiotics, a health care provider may recommend refraining from having sex until the full treatment regimen is completed. If the medicine is only a single dosage, individuals may be advised to wait seven days before having sex to ensure the infection has been cleared.  

Since this infection often manifests without symptoms, relying solely on symptom observation can be misleading. As a precaution, it’s recommended for everyone to get tested at least once a year. Certain populations, such as people under the age of 25 with a cervix, those who have more than one sex partner, and men who have sex with men (MSM), are recommended to undergo STI testing more often, if possible.  

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to long-term complications, such as: 

• Permanent damage to reproductive organs 
• Ectopic pregnancy 
• Pelvic inflammatory disease 
• Scar tissue in the fallopian tubes 
• Infertility 
• Increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 
• Joint inflammation 
• Testicular infections 

Given the likelihood of repeat infections, it may be helpful to continue safer sex practices to lower the risk of reinfection or transmission to others. Using condoms or dental dams can reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting chlamydia. Additionally, undergoing STI testing three months post-treatment can to confirm that the bacteria has been effectively treated. 

For more information on chlamydia and other STIs, the STI Basics Fact Sheet. Knowledge is power — and pleasure!