Chlamydia symptoms and treatment
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK and worldwide. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, and it is often transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. This infection is particularly common in sexually active teenagers and young adults, and many individuals may be unaware that they are infected because chlamydia often doesn’t show symptoms.
If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health complications, particularly for women. The good news is that chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics. Regular testing is recommended for people who are sexually active, especially if they have new or multiple sexual partners.
Who Should Get Tested for Chlamydia?
In the UK, it’s recommended that individuals who are:
- Women, sexually active, and under 25 years old get tested for chlamydia once a year and whenever they have a new or casual partner.
- Men, sexually active, and under 25 years old get tested once a year if they are not using condoms with new or casual partners.
Anyone concerned about having a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or who is experiencing symptoms of chlamydia, should visit a GP, sexual health clinic, or a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic for testing. In many areas, you can also order a free home testing kit.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
Most people with chlamydia do not experience any symptoms, which makes regular testing especially important. However, if symptoms do occur, they typically appear between 1 and 3 weeks after exposure. Symptoms can vary based on your anatomy.
Common Symptoms in Women
At least 70% of women with chlamydia experience no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Painful urination (burning or stinging sensation).
- Unusual vaginal discharge, which may be white or yellow.
- Pelvic or abdominal pain.
- Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia).
- Bleeding between periods or after sex.
Common Symptoms in Men
At least 50% of men with chlamydia do not experience symptoms. However, the most common signs in men include:
- Painful urination.
- White, cloudy, or watery discharge from the tip of the penis.
- Burning or itching in the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).
- Pain in the testicles or swelling.
Chlamydia in the Rectum, Throat, or Eyes
Chlamydia can also infect the rectum, throat, or eyes, particularly if you have unprotected oral or anal sex. Symptoms may include:
- Rectum: Discomfort, discharge, or bleeding from the rectum.
- Throat: Usually asymptomatic, but can cause a sore throat.
- Eyes: Redness, pain, and discharge (conjunctivitis) if infected semen or vaginal fluid enters the eye.
How Do You Get Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection spread through sexual contact with infected genital fluids, including semen and vaginal fluid. You can get chlamydia through:
- Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
- Sharing sex toys that have not been washed or covered with a new condom.
- Your genitals coming into contact with your partner’s genitals, even if there is no penetration or ejaculation.
Chlamydia cannot be transmitted through casual contact, such as hugging, kissing, or sharing baths or towels.
Is Chlamydia Serious?
While chlamydia often has no symptoms and can be treated with a short course of antibiotics, it can become serious if left untreated. Untreated chlamydia can spread to other parts of the body and lead to long-term health problems.
Complications in Women
In women, untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in:
- Infertility.
- Ectopic pregnancy (a potentially life-threatening condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the womb).
- Chronic pelvic pain.
Complications in Men
In men, untreated chlamydia can lead to epididymitis (inflammation of the tubes that carry sperm) and epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the testicles), which can affect fertility. Rarely, it can also cause reactive arthritis, which involves inflammation of the joints, urethra, and eyes.
How Is Chlamydia Diagnosed?
Chlamydia testing is simple, painless, and generally reliable. You can be tested through:
- A urine sample.
- A swab from the vagina, penis, or anus.
Testing is free and confidential at sexual health clinics, GUM clinics, and most GP surgeries in the UK. Women under 25 in England may be offered a chlamydia test through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) when visiting health services such as pharmacies or GP surgeries.
How Is Chlamydia Treated?
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. The two most commonly prescribed antibiotics are:
- Doxycycline – Taken every day for 7 days.
- Azithromycin – One dose followed by smaller doses over 2 days.
It is important to avoid having sex (including oral sex) until both you and your partner have completed the full course of antibiotics to prevent spreading the infection or becoming re-infected.
When Can I Have Sex Again?
If you are taking doxycycline, you should avoid sex until the treatment is complete. If you are taking azithromycin, you should wait 7 days after finishing the medication before resuming sexual activity.
Preventing Chlamydia
The best way to prevent chlamydia is to use condoms or dental dams during all forms of sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Additionally, to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading chlamydia, you should:
- Get tested regularly, especially if you are under 25 or have new or casual sexual partners.
- Communicate openly with your sexual partners about STI testing.
- Wash sex toys or use a new condom when sharing them.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Sexual Health
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs, and while it can often be symptomless, it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Regular testing and prompt treatment with antibiotics are key to preventing long-term health issues. Practicing safe sex and getting tested regularly will help protect you and your partners from infection.
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