Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection. Many people who are infected do not have symptoms but they can still spread the infection. Chlamydia can lead to infertility and other complications if not treated.

Last updated: 19 June 2008

What is Chlamydia?

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

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can occur within 2 to 14 days after infection. However, a person may have chlamydia for months, or even years, without noticing any symptoms.
Often women have no noticeable symptoms, if symptoms are present, they may include:
• pain when passing urine
• bleeding or pain during or after sex
• bleeding between her regular periods
• an unusual vaginal discharge
• cramps or pain in the lower abdomen
• anal pain or discharge

Often men have no noticeable symptoms, if symptoms are present, they may include:
• a discharge from the penis
• pain when passing urine
• swollen and sore testicles
• anal pain or discharge

In women, complications of untreated chlamydia may include:
• pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) when the reproductive organs become inflamed
• pelvic adhesions and chronic pelvic pain
• infertility due to scar tissue damaging the fallopian tubes
• ectopic pregnancy (when the pregnancy develops in the fallopian tubes instead of in the uterus/womb)
• arthritis
• conjunctivitis and uveitis (eye inflammation)
• proctitis (inflammation of the anus/rectum)
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In men, complications of untreated chlamydia may include:
• recurrent urethritis (inflammation of the urine passage)
• epididymitis (inflammation of the tube to the testes)
• arthritis
• conjunctivitis and uveitis (eye inflammation)
• proctitis (inflammation of the anus/rectum)

How is it spread?

Chlamydia is spread through vaginal or anal sex.

It can also be transmitted by sex toys and hands and fingers if they have been in contact with an infected person's genitals or anus.

There is a small risk of adult infection in the eyes if infected fluids come into contact with the eyes. If a mother is infected, her baby can become infected as it being born.

Chlamydia is contagious even when not symptoms are noticeable.

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 can significantly reduce the risk of catching chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.

Do not have sex with anyone who has been diagnosed with chlamydia in the past 7 days, even with a condom.

Avoid sharing sex toys and consider using condoms with sex toys for further protection.
Have regular sexual health checks to identify infections early to prevent passing the infection on to others and before complications develop.

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 (using a log cotton bud) from the urethra, cervix, or anus. It is important not to pass urine for a minimum of two hours before the test. The sample or swab will then be tested for chlamydia at a laboratory.

How is it treated?

Chlamydia is easily cured by a single dose of antibiotics. It is important for you and your sexual partner(s) to see a doctor or go to a sexual health clinic to get tested and treated. If the symptoms return, you and your sexual partner(s) should return to the doctor or sexual health clinic. Do not to have sex for at least 7 days after treatment because the infection can still be spread.

What is the public health response?

If you have been diagnosed with chlamydia it is important to tell your sexual partner(s) so they can be tested and treated. Your doctor or sexual health clinic can help you decide who may be at risk and help you to contact them. If you wish, this can be done anonymously by your doctor.

Chlamydia is a notifiable disease. This means that doctors and laboratory staff are legally required to tell the Department of Public Health about new cases. These notifications are used to help find and treat others who may be at risk before they become ill or infect others. The data is also used for public health planning.

Avoid sex until you and your partner/s have completed treatment.

Further Information

Sexual Health Information Line (02) 9382 7440 or Freecall 1800 451 624 (outside Sydney).

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