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Chlamydia
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common and treatable sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It often has no symptoms, which is why so many people don’t realize they have it.
The good news? Chlamydia is easily cured with antibiotics when caught early. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about chlamydia—including symptoms, testing, treatment, and prevention.
Chlamydia Information
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. Chlamydia can affect multiple areas of the body, including:
- The genitals (penis, vagina, cervix, urethra)
- The rectum (through anal sex)
- The throat (through oral sex)
- The eyes (though rare, it can spread through hand-to-eye contact)
Since most people don’t have symptoms, regular STI testing is the only way to know if you have chlamydia.
Chlamydia is often called a "silent" infection because most people don’t experience symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they usually show up 1-3 weeks after exposure and can be mild or easy to overlook.
Common Symptoms of Chlamydia
In Women
- Unusual vaginal discharge (clear, white, or yellow)
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding between periods
- Lower abdominal pain
In Men
- Discharge from the penis (clear, white, or yellow)
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
Symptoms That Affect All Genders
- Rectal Chlamydia:
- Anal pain, discharge, or bleeding
- Throat Chlamydia
- Sore throat (though often no symptoms)
Since symptoms are not always present, regular STI testing is key to protecting your health. If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect exposure to chlamydia, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible.
Why is Testing Important?
Even if you don’t feel sick, untreated chlamydia can cause serious health complications, including:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): In women, untreated chlamydia can lead to PID, which can cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain.
- Epididymitis: In men, chlamydia can cause painful swelling in the testicles and may lead to infertility.
- Risks During Pregnancy: Pregnant people with chlamydia can pass the infection to their baby, potentially causing pneumonia or eye infections.
- Increased Risk of Other STIs: Having chlamydia makes it easier to contract or spread HIV.
- Pregnancy Complications: Chlamydia can be passed to a baby during childbirth, causing eye infections or pneumonia.
Because chlamydia often has no symptoms, testing is the only way to be sure of your status.
How to get tested?
Getting tested for chlamydia is quick, easy, and confidential. Here's how it works:
- Find a testing location
- Visit a local health clinic, health care provider, or STI testing center.
- Some at-home test kits are also available.
- Provide a sample
- Urine test (for genital infections)
- Swab test (throat, rectum, or vaginal swab, depending on exposure)
- Get your results
- Results are usually available within a few days.
- All test results are confidential and protected under HIPAA laws.
Chlamydia is easily cured with antibiotics. The most common treatments include:
- A single dose of azithromycin (one-time treatment).
- A 7-day course of doxycycline (taken twice daily).
Important Treatment Steps
- Take all of your medication—even if you start feeling better before finishing it.
- Avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete.
- Tell your sexual partners so they can get tested and treated.
- Follow up with your health care provider if symptoms don’t go away.
Even though chlamydia is curable, you can get reinfected if a partner has not been treated.
The best way to prevent chlamydia is by practicing safe sex and regular testing. Here are some simple prevention tips:
- Use condoms and dental dams consistently. These reduce the risk of chlamydia transmission.
- Get tested regularly. Routine STI screenings are important, especially if you have multiple partners.
- Talk to your partners about STI testing. Open and honest conversations help protect everyone.
- Limit the number of sexual partners. Fewer partners mean a lower chance of exposure.
- Check for symptoms. If you or your partner have any unusual discharge, pain, or sores, avoid sexual contact and get tested.
Even if you don’t have symptoms, regular testing is key to maintaining your sexual health.
If you’re pregnant, getting tested for chlamydia is especially important. Chlamydia can be passed to a baby during delivery, which may lead to:
- Newborn eye infections (which can lead to blindness if untreated).
- Premature birth or low birth weight.
- Premature birth or low birth weight.
How to Protect the Baby
- Get tested early in pregnancy and again before delivery if you’re at risk.
- Chlamydia can be treated safely during pregnancy with antibiotics.
- If diagnosed, follow your doctor’s treatment plan to prevent complications.
By getting tested and treated, you can ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Take Charge of Your Health
Chlamydia is common, but it’s also preventable and treatable. The most important steps you can take are:
- Get tested if you’re sexually active
- Use protection to reduce risk
- If diagnosed, complete treatment and inform your partners