Posted by What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection.
How is it transmitted?
- Oral Sex
- Penetrative Sex (Vaginal, Anal)
- Sharing of Sex Toys
What increases a person’s risk of getting Chlamydia?
- Number of Partners
- Inconsistent condom use
Which parts of the body can get infected?
- Females – Pelvis (including Urethra, Vagina, Cervix, Uterus, Fallopian Tubes)
- Males – Urethra, Testicles, Prostate
- Throat
- Anorectal
- Eyes
How does it present?
- Asymptomatic (without symptoms)
- Penile Discharge
- Vaginal Discharge
- Pelvic Pain
- Testicular Swelling and Pain
- Burning on Urination
- Anal Discharge
- Anal sore
- Pain with Vaginal Sex
- Bleeding After Sex
- Pain with Anal Sex
- Intermenstrual Bleeding
- Sore throat
- Red eyes/Discharge from Eyes
How do we test for it?
- Throat Swab
- Urine Test
- Vaginal Swab
- Penile Swab
- Anal Swab
- Eye Swab
*Testing is variable based on screening and symptoms.
Who should have a test?
- People who have symptoms
- If you have had a new partner in the past 12 months
- A person that would like to be tested
- If you have had an STI in the past 12 months
- If you are at risk of a complication from chlamydia ie. During Pregnancy
What are the complications of untreated Chlamydia?
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Infertility
- Reactive Arthritis
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Rash on soles of feet
- Increased risk of getting other STIs
How is chlamydia managed?
- Cured with Antibiotics
- Contact Tracing – partners from the past 6 months
- Abstain from sex for 7 days after treatment is completed
- Ensure current partner is tested and potentially treated to avoid reinfection