Chlamydia - the facts

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in Australia, especially among young people.

Causes

A bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.
Chlamydia infects the neck of the womb (cervix) in women and the tube inside the penis (urethra) in men. Sometimes it can infect the urethra in women, and the throat and anus of either sex.

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women which can lead to chronic pain and/or the inability to get pregnant.

Symptoms

Women often have no signs or symptoms with chlamydia. Sometimes there is an unusual vaginal fluid (discharge) or a burning sensation when urinating or vaginal bleeding after sex. Deep pain during vaginal sex may also be a sign of chlamydial infection in women.

Men may have no signs or symptoms either. There may be a white or clear fluid (discharge) from the penis and/or a burning sensation during urination.

How is it transmitted?

Chlamydia is spread by having vaginal or anal sex without a condom, with someone who has chlamydia. Transmission by oral sex may also occur.

Management

If noticed early, chlamydia can be treated with a single dose of antibiotics.
Advanced chlamydia and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women may need longer courses of antibiotics.

Partners of people with chlamydia also need to be treated as they may also be infected. If they are not treated you can get re-infected.

Prevention

Use condoms for vaginal and anal sex. Condoms may also be used for oral sex.
Both partners should be tested for STIs before having unprotected sex.
If your partner has other sexual partners, you could get chlamydia if you don't use condoms.