What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual activity. It can be treated and cured with the right medication, but many people do not notice any symptoms. Getting prompt treatment is very essential, because if left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious health problems and permanent damage to the reproductive system.

How is chlamydia transmitted? 

A person with chlamydia can pass the infection to their partners through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sharing unwashed or unprotected sex toys with a partner can also spread the infection.

Is it possible to catch chlamydia without sexual activity?

Yes. You don't have to have sexual intercourse to get chlamydia. The infection can also be spread by sharing sex toys with someone who is infected.

Who can be infected with chlamydia?

Chlamydia can affect anyone who is sexually active. The bacteria spread through vaginal fluid and semen, so anyone who has sex can catch it and pass it to their partners. Pregnant people with chlamydia can also transmit the infection to their baby during childbirth.

How common is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many people with chlamydia don’t have symptoms, so many infections remain undetected or unreported. Some factors can increase the likelihood of being diagnosed with chlamydia. People at higher risk include:

• Men who have sex with men (MSM): chlamydia rates are higher among men who have sex with other men compared to men who only have sex with women.

• Young people aged 15-24: more than half of all chlamydia cases in the U.S. occur in this age group, with higher rates among women. Because of this, healthcare providers often recommend screening for sexually active individuals in this age range.

Higher chlamydia rates in some groups are often influenced more by community and social factors than by individual sexual behaviour. The infection spreads more quickly in networks where many people are already infected and in communities with limited access to sexual health education, prevention methods like condoms and dental dams, or STI testing services.

How do you get chlamydia?

Chlamydia spreads through sexual contact when vaginal fluid or semen containing the bacteria is passed from one person to another. Sexual contact includes all types of sexual activity, even those that don’t involve penetration or ejaculation. There are several ways the bacteria can be transmitted:

• Anal sex: the bacteria pass between a penis and the anus 

• Vaginal intercourse: the bacteria move from a penis to a vagina or vice versa

• Eyes: in rare cases, touching infected fluids and then touching your eyes can cause an eye infection called conjunctivitis (Pink eye).

• Manual contact: sometimes the bacteria can be spread through hands touching infected genitals or an anal fluids.

• Sex toys: bacteria can be transmitted if toys are shared without cleaning or protection

• Oral sex: the bacteria can be spread from the mouth to a partner’s penis, vagina, or anus, or the other way around.

What activities or contact do not transmit chlamydia?

Not all forms of contact can spread chlamydia. You cannot get chlamydia from:

• Kissing.

• Sharing food, drinks, or utensils.

• Hugging or holding hands.

• Using a toilet after someone else.

• Breathing in droplets from someone who coughs or sneezes.

How long can chlamydia go unnoticed?

Chlamydia can go unnoticed for weeks, months, or even longer because most people do not experience symptoms. Many people may be infected without realizing it, which makes it easy to pass the infection to others and miss getting treatment.

Is it possible to know how long you’ve been infected with chlamydia?

For many individuals, chlamydia symptoms appear anywhere from one week to three months after having unprotected sex, though sometimes it can take even longer. When diagnosing the infection, your healthcare provider may be able to determine if it has spread to areas like the fallopian tubes or testicles. Regular STI testing is important for sexually active people, since infections can go unnoticed and be passed on without anyone realising it.

What signs indicate a chlamydia infection?

When symptoms occur, they often affect people differently based on their reproductive organs.

More than half of those infected with chlamydia don't notice any signs.

Signs of chlamydia in females:

• Discharge from the vagina or penis that is white, yellow, or gray and may have a strong odor.

• Discomfort or pain during sex

• Unexpected bleeding between periods

• Frequent urination

• Pain or a burning sensation while urinating

• Presence of opus or cloudy discharge in the urine

• Painful or heavy menstrual periods

• Aching or dull pain in the lower abdomen

• Itching or a burning sensation in and around the vagina

Signs of chlamydia in males:

• Clear, watery, or mucus-like discharge from the penis

• Pain or a burning sensation during urination

Other signs of chlamydia 

Chlamydia can infect areas of your body beyond your reproductive organs, including the following:

• Throat: the infection can cause a sore throat, although most people do not notice any symptoms when it is in the throat.

• Eyes: If the bacteria reach your eyes, it can cause conjunctivitis, which may show as redness, pain, or discharge 

• Rectrum: you might also experience pain, discomfort, bleeding, or a mucus-like discharge from the anus.

If you notice any of these signs, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible for testing and treatment. 

How does chlamydia first show up?

Many people with chlamydia do not experience any symptoms. However, unusual discharge from the vagina or penis could indicate an infection. Pain, bleeding, or discharge from the rectrum may also be a sign that you have chlamydia. 

How do doctors test for chlamydia?

The most widely used test for chlamydia is called nucleic acid amplification test, or NAAT. To perform this test, a doctor collects a sample of fluid, either through a vaginal or cervical swab or from a urine sample. The sample is then sent to a laboratory to check for the bacteria that causes chlamydia. Some providers can do this test in their office, while others may provide an at home testing kit. It's important to follow your provide’s instructions careful to ensure the results are accurate.

Because chlamydia often does not cause symptoms, regular testing is important even if you feel healthy. Women are more likely than men to experience serious complications from chlamydia, so regular testing is especially recommended for women. You may be considered at higher risk if you:

• Are pregnant

• Have multiple sexual partners

• Are under 25

• Have had chlamydia before

• Have a new sexual partner

Men should consider testing if they:

• Live in or visit places where chlamydia spreads more easily, such as correctional facilities, adolescent clinics, or sexual health clinics.

• Have sex with other men (MSM)

No matter your age, sex, or risk factors, it’s important to talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual history. They can help you decide how often you should be tested for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections to stay healthy and protect your partners. 

How is chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia can usually be treated and cured with antibiotics within one to two weeks. However, it's still necessary to finish the full treatment to make sure the infection is completely gone. Ask your healthcare provider about follow-up tests to be certain the infection has cleared, since chlamydia may come back if left untreated.

During treatment, it’s essential to avoid all sexual activity until you’re fully cured. Starting the antibiotic doesn't mean the infection is gone. Always finish your medication and wait for medical clearance before engaging in sex. 

You should also: 

• Inform any sexual partners you’ve had in the past three months so they can get tested and receive treatment if needed. 

• Get tested for other STIs, such as HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and herpes, since it’s common to be infected with more than one at the same time.

• Stay away from sexual contact throughout your treatment to make sure the infection doesn't come back or spread to others.

Although antibiotics can successfully treat chlamydia, they cannot reverse any harm that occurred before treatment. That is why it’s important to get regular sexual health check-ups, especially for those who are sexually active. Detecting infections early and getting the right treatment helps protect your health and stops the spread to others.

Will chlamydia disappear if I don't treat it?

No, chlamydia won’t just go away on its own if you don’t get treated. Without proper treatment, the infection can last a long time and may cause serious health problems. It can also spread to others, so it’s really important to see a doctor and get the right care. 

What medicines are prescribed to treat chlamydia?

The antibiotics most frequently prescribed for chlamydia treatment include:

Doxycycline, which is typically taken for seven days and is often the preferred option

Azithromycin, usually given as a single dose, is the recommended choice during pregnancy.

It’s important to only use antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider and to complete the entire course of medication, even if your symptoms start to improve. 

Is chlamydia curable?

Yes, chlamydia is a treatable and curable infection. However, antibiotic resistance is becoming an increasing concern for some sexually transmitted bacterial infections, making treatment more challenging. Because of this, preventing the spread of the infection remains the most effective way to control the infection.

What are the consequences of leaving chlamydia untreated?

If chlamydia is not treated, it can lead to serious health problems. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms and to get tested regularly to prevent long-term complications.

Possible complications of chlamydia in women? (if left untreated)

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): When chlamydia isn't treated, it can spread to the reproductive system and cause PID. This condition is serious and may require hospital care. PID can result in scarring or blockage of the fallopian tubes, which raises the risk of infertility, long-term pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus that can be life-threatening).

• Issue during pregnancy: if a pregnant woman has untreated chlamydia, it can trigger premature birth. The infection can also be transmitted to the baby during delivery, sometimes leading to eye infections (conjunctivitis) or pneumonia. Without treatment, these conditions may have severe consequences, including vision loss. That’s why screening for chlamydia is recommended at the first prenatal visit.

• Fertility problems: Long-standing infection may cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs, especially the uterus and fallopian tubes. This damage can make it difficult or impossible to conceive naturally.

Health complications of chlamydia in men

If chlamydia is not treated, it may lead to:

• Epididymitis:

The infection can travel to the epididymis (the tube that stores and moves sperm) and sometimes into the testices. This may cause pain, swelling, or tenderness in the scrotum.

• Fertility concerns:

Untreated infection can affect sperm health and reduce the chances of fathering a child.

Complications that can affect both men and women

Without treatment, chlamydia can enter the bloodstream, which can:

• Trigger reactive arthritis:

This condition makes the joints inflamed, painful, and stiff.

• Increase HIV risk:

Having chlamydia makes it easier for HIV to enter the body and spread.

How quickly will symptoms improve after treatment?

Most people notice relief within about a week of starting antibiotics. Even if you start to feel better earlier, it’s important to finish the entire course of medicine to make sure the infection is completely gone.

When is it safe to have sex again?

Avoid any kind of sexual contact (oral,vaginal, or anal) for at least seven days after beginning treatment. This waiting period allows the antibiotics to fully clear the infection and helps prevent passing it on your partner (s). After your treatment is finished, continue using protection and get regular STI screenings as part of staying healthy.

How long does chlamydia last?

With proper treatment, chlamydia usually clears up in about 1-2 weeks. Even though the infection is gone, test results might still show positive for up to a month after treatment. Make sure you complete your full course of antibiotics to fully eliminate the bacteria. Avoid sexual activity until treatment is finished, otherwise you risk passing the infection back and forth.

How can I protect myself from chlamydia?

The only guaranteed way to avoid chlamydia is by not engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. Chlamydia bacteria can also spread through contaminated sex toys, so avoid letting them touch your genitals unless they are properly cleaned.

Because many people with chlamydia don’t show symptoms, it’s hard to know if a partner has it. That’s why safer sex habits are so important:

• Condoms: always use condoms for vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

• Dental dams: use dental dams for oral sex or genital-to-genital contact between women.

• Sex toys: Don’t share them. If you do, clean them thoroughly and use a fresh condom each time they're used for penetrations.

• Monogamy: stick with one mutually faithful partner who is only sexually active with you.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Being proactive is the best approach. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your chances of getting infected and ask how often you should be tested for STIs. Regular screenings can help catch problems early. If your partner is diagnosed with chlamydia, or if you develop any symptoms yourself, schedule a check-up immediately to get tested and treated if necessary.