Chlamydia - Symptoms, Testing, Risks & Treatment

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By: Net Medic Team

Published: June 11, 2024

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Understanding Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common bacterial STI. It is easily cured with antibiotics. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most reported STI in the United States, with about 2.86 million cases a year. In South Africa there were an estimated 6 million cases in 2017.

Why You Should Get Tested

Most individuals with chlamydia do not exhibit symptoms. However, untreated chlamydia can harm the reproductive system. It's able to cause damage that leads to infertility.

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Symptoms of Chlamydia

Symptoms of chlamydia appear 1-3 weeks after exposure. But, they're often absent. When symptoms do occur, they vary between men and women.

In Women:

Abnormal vaginal discharge.

Painful or burning sensation during urination.

If untreated, the infection can spread to the cervix. It can also spread to the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus. This spread causes:

Abdominal and pelvic pain.

Fever and nausea.

Bleeding between periods.

Pain during sex

Pregnant women may have premature membrane rupture. They may also have early delivery. And, they have a risk of ectopic pregnancy.

In Men:

Painful or burning sensation during urination.

Unusual penile discharge.

Pain and swelling in one or both testicles.

Common Symptons for Both Genders:

Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding

Frequent urination

Painful bowel movements

Pelvic pain

Genital itching

Fluid-filled blisters, bumps, or sores on the genitals, rectum, or mouth

Transmission of Chlamydia

Chlamydia spreads through sex with an infected person. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and sharing sex toys. It can be transmitted even without ejaculation. The bacteria live in the fallopian tubes, cervix, rectum, throat, and urethra. In rare cases, they infect the eye’s cornea. Chlamydia cannot survive on the skin surface; it requires soft tissue to infect.

Also, chlamydia can pass from mother to child during vaginal childbirth. This can cause pneumonia and eye damage in the newborn. Pregnant women should be screened. They should be treated with safe antibiotics during pregnancy. This prevents neonatal chlamydia.

Misconceptions About Chlamydia Transmission

Chlamydia cannot be caught through kissing. It also cannot be caught from toilets, pools, towels, or hugs. However, engaging in oral sex can pose a risk.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone sexually active is at risk of contracting chlamydia, especially those engaging in unprotected sex. Certain groups are at higher risk due to behavioral and biological factors:

Young people aged 15-24, who make up nearly two-thirds of all chlamydia cases.

Women, due to the thinner, more penetrable lining of the vagina compared to the skin of the penis. An estimated 1 in 20 sexually active young women aged 14-24 has chlamydia.

Men who have sex with men (MSM), who are at higher risk through oral and anal sex.

Testing Recommendations

In the United States, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual chlamydia screenings for:

Women under 25.

Women over 25 with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners or partners with an STI.

Pregnant women during their first prenatal visit, with retesting in the third trimester for those under 25.

Preventing Chlamydia

While abstinence is the only surefire way to avoid chlamydia, there are several strategies to reduce risk:

Use latex condoms or dental dams during oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

Maintain a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative.

Limit the number of sexual partners.

Avoid douching, which can disrupt beneficial vaginal bacteria and increase infection risk.

If you suspect infection or experience symptoms, get tested before resuming sexual activity. Notify current and recent partners if you test positive so they can also get tested and treated. Complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed. The CDC recommends retesting three months after successful treatment.

Open Communication and Regular Testing

Discussing sexual health openly with partners and regular testing, even in the absence of symptoms, helps you stay informed about your status and protect your health. In mutually monogamous relationships, annual testing is sufficient, but for those with multiple partners, testing every 3-6 months is advisable.

Treating Chlamydia

Chlamydia is curable with the appropriate antibiotics, typically azithromycin or doxycycline. Azithromycin is taken as a single dose followed by a two-day course, while doxycycline requires daily doses for a week. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment.

Resources

- CDC Fact Sheet on Chlamydia

- National Health Service UK on Chlamydia

- CDC on How STDs Impact Women

- CDC Screening Recommendations

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