Medically Reviewed by Dr Aifric Boylan
Last updated on 06.12.2023
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia. It is particularly common in people under the age of 30. All sexually active people should consider regular STI checks, particularly if they have multiple partners. It is common for people to have an STI but not have any symptoms.
What is Chlamydia?
- Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection, which can be caught by having vaginal, oral or anal sex.
- It is caused by bacteria that live in sexual fluids.
What should you do if you think you have Chlamydia?
- If you know you’ve had sex with somebody who has Chlamydia you should get treatment for it.
- Whilst you may wish to be tested first, it is also OK to go ahead and get treatment if you have had sex with a person who has been diagnosed with Chlamydia.
- If you have Chlamydia, ideally you should contact anybody else you’ve had sex with recently, to let them know.
How do you know if you have Chlamydia?
- Most people who have Chlamydia don’t have any symptoms- so it is common for people to have it without realising. That is why it is important to get tested.
- Chlamydia infection can cause burning when you pee or discomfort around your urethra (the tube that your urine passes through)
- It can cause discharge from the penis, vagina or urethra.
- In men, it can lead to pain or discomfort in the testicles.
- It can also cause unexpected vaginal bleeding or pain during/after sex.
- Rarely, it can lead to infections of the eyes, throat or anal area.
Can Chlamydia cause any long-term problems?
Yes, Chlamydia can lead to a number of significant health issues:
- It can lead to fertility problems in both men and women.
- It can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy in women (this is when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, which can be life-threatening)
- In women, it can also lead to painful periods and severe tummy pains due to pelvic infection.
- Rarely, it can cause joint pains (reactive arthritis) and skin rashes.
How do you know if you have Chlamydia?
- You may not be able to tell- you may have symptoms, you may not.
- You are at risk if you’ve had sex with somebody who has Chlamydia.
- Chlamydia is common, so if you’re sexually active, it is best to get tested regularly, particularly if you’ve had multiple sexual partners or a recent change of partner. Usually this just involves providing a urine sample at your doctor’s surgery or sexual health clinic. Depending on symptoms, occasionally a swab of other areas may be recommended (swabs may be taken from the vagina, urethra, anus, throat or eyes).
What about treatment for Chlamydia?
- If a sexual partner has Chlamydia then it’s best to assume you have it too and get treated as soon as possible.
- You can get treatment from a doctor or sexual health clinic.
- It’s vital you tell any other sexual partners so that they can take appropriate action. If you’re not comfortable making direct contact, it’s possible to do so anonymously at www.letthemknow.org.au
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