Chlamydia

Overview

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by tiny bacteria. It can infect the genitals, rectum, and throat. Many people have no symptoms, so they can pass it on without knowing.

Yes. Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the world. In the UK, it is the most frequently diagnosed bacterial STI, especially among young people.

Anyone who is sexually active can get chlamydia, regardless of gender and age. It is most often diagnosed in people under 25, but it can affect older adults too.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most people (up to 7 out of 10 women and half of men) have no symptoms.
• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain or swelling in the testicles
• Irregular bleeding in women, such as bleeding between periods or after sex

Symptoms in children

• Chlamydia in children is very rare. It may cause genital redness, discharge, or pain when urinating.
• In babies born to infected mothers, it can cause conjunctivitis (eye irritation) or pneumonia in the first few weeks of life. If you notice these signs, contact a healthcare provider.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults can get chlamydia too. Symptoms are similar to those in younger people, but may be missed because STIs are often not considered.
• If you are over 50 and have new or multiple partners, it is a good idea to have an STI test, even if you have no symptoms.

Causes

Main causes

• Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
• It is passed on through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection.
• It can be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth.

Risk factors

• Having sex without a condom
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Having a sexual partner who has a sexually transmitted infection
• Being under 25, as this age group has the highest rates
• Not getting tested regularly if you are sexually active

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Go to urgent care or your local emergency service if you have severe abdominal or pelvic pain, a fever, or unusual bleeding.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment for an STI test if you have any symptoms, if you have had unprotected sex, if a partner has chlamydia, or if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, sexual history, and any recent partners. They will then take a test sample. This is usually a urine sample or a swab (a small cotton bud) from the area that might be infected, such as the cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat.

Tests that may be done

• Urine sample
• Swab from the vagina, penis, or anus
• Swab from the throat (if you've had oral sex)
• Sometimes a physical examination

What to expect at your appointment

The test takes a few minutes and is usually painless. You may get your results by phone, text, or in person, depending on the clinic. If the test is positive, your healthcare provider will prescribe treatment and discuss how to inform your partners.

Treatment

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics and is fully curable. You will be given a course of antibiotics, either as a single dose or as tablets to take for a week. It is essential to take the full course as directed, even if you feel fine. You should also make sure your partner gets tested and treated, and avoid any sex until the treatment is finished.

Self-care at home

• Take all your antibiotics exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
• Tell your current sexual partner(s) so they can be tested and treated too.
• Avoid having sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) until you and your partner have finished treatment and your doctor says it's safe.
• Attend any follow-up appointment to confirm the infection has cleared.

Medical treatments

Antibiotics are the only treatment for chlamydia. Your doctor will choose an antibiotic that is safe and effective for you. They will tell you whether you need a single dose or a longer course. After finishing the medicine, you may need a repeat test after about 3 months to make sure you haven't been reinfected.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat chlamydia itself. In rare cases, if the infection leads to complications such as a tubal pregnancy, an abscess, or severe pelvic scarring, surgery may be needed to treat those complications.

Living with this condition

Once you start treatment, you can usually carry on with your normal activities. Rest and drink plenty of fluids if you feel unwell. The most important thing is to take all your medicine and avoid sex until the infection is gone, to prevent passing it on.

Lifestyle tips

• Use a condom every time you have sex to prevent re-infection and protect your partner.
• Get tested again after you finish treatment if recommended by your provider.
• Consider reducing the number of sexual partners to lower your risk.
• Communicate openly with partners about STIs and testing.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise help your body stay strong and fight off infection. While they do not cure chlamydia, they support your overall health. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol if it makes you feel unwell.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A chlamydia diagnosis can feel embarrassing or upsetting, but you are not alone. Millions of people are in the same situation every year. The infection is easily cured, and talking about your feelings with a trusted friend, partner, or counselor can help you cope. If your feelings feel overwhelming or you have thoughts of self-harm, reach out to local emergency services or a mental health crisis line right away.

Prevention

Yes. The most effective ways to prevent chlamydia are to use a new condom every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and to have regular STI tests if you are sexually active with new or multiple partners.

Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine for chlamydia. Safe sexual practices and regular testing are the best protection.

Screening programmes

Regular screening is recommended for everyone under 25 who is sexually active, and for anyone with a new partner or multiple partners. In many areas, free home-testing kits are available. Check with your local health service for what is available near you.

Complications

If left untreated

• In women, untreated chlamydia can spread to the womb and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to chronic pelvic pain, scars in the tubes, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
• In men, it can cause epididymitis, an inflammation of the tube that carries sperm, which can result in pain, fever, and rarely fertility problems.
• In pregnant women, chlamydia increases the risk of premature birth and can pass to the baby during delivery, causing eye or lung infections.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for chlamydia is excellent. Early treatment cures the infection completely and usually prevents any lasting health problems. Even if complications have developed, many can be successfully treated. The most important step is to get tested and treated as soon as possible, and to encourage your partner to do the same.

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