CHLAMYDIA

Last updated: 28 November 2007

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmissible infection. It is caused by bacteria. Many people who are infected with the bacteria do not have symptoms but can still transmit it. Chlamydia can affect the urethra (the urine passage), cervix (the neck of the womb), rectum, anus, throat, and eyes. If chlamydia is not properly treated it can cause serious complications.

In women complications include:

• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is when the reproductive organs that are situated in the pelvis become inflamed
• pelvic adhesions and chronic pelvic pain
• infertility due to damage to the fallopian tubes (by scar tissue)
• eptopic pregnancy (when the pregnancy develops in the fallopian tubes instead of in the uterus).

• recurrent urethritis
• epididymitis (which involves the tube to the testes).

• arthritis
• conjunctivitis and uveitis (eye inflammation)
• proctitis (inflammation of the rectum).

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can occur within 2-14 days after infection. However, a person may have chlamydia for months, or even years, without knowing it.

In women
If a woman has chlamydia, she may notice:

• cramps or pain in the lower abdomen
• menstrual changes (that is, changes with her periods)
• pain when passing urine
• bleeding or pain during or after sex
• a change in her vaginal discharge.

• a discharge from the penis
• pain when passing urine
• swollen and sore testicles.

How is it spread?

Chlamydia is spread by having sex with someone who has the infection.

Who is at risk?

The people who are most at risk of catching chlamydia are:

• young sexually active men and women
• anyone who has recently changed sexual partners
• anyone who has recently had another sexually transmitted infection.

How is it prevented?

Using a condom for vaginal or anal sex prevents chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections. If you have chlamydia you should tell all your sexual partners over the last six months to see a doctor or your local sexual health clinic for testing and treatment.

How is it diagnosed?

Chlamydia can be diagnosed by your local doctor or sexual health clinic. The doctor will take a urine sample, or a swab from the urethra, cervix, or anus. The sample or swab will then be tested for chlamydia at a laboratory.

How is it treated?

Chlamydia is easily cured by antibiotics. It is important to see your doctor or sexual health clinic to get tested and treated. If the symptoms return, return to your doctor or sexual health clinic.

It is important that you finish the entire course of antibiotics, even after the symptoms resolve, as the chlamydia bacteria may not have been totally killed. It is also important not to have sex for at least 7 days after the treatment begins, because the infection can still be spread.

What is the public health response?

Laboratories are required to notify cases of chlamydia to the local public health unit. Data on the incidence of chlamydia are used for public health planning. The doctor will work with the patient to identify contacts who may need to be tested and treated. The doctor can seek help from the local sexual health service.