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You are in Home > Sexual Health> STI Factfiles: Chlamydia

CHLAMYDIA

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection which affects the cervix in women and the urethra in men. Chlamydia is the most common STI and, quite often, there are no outward symptoms to indicate that anything is wrong.  Chlamydia can, if left untreated, cause very unwelcome complications.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and is unusual in that in many cases there are no obvious symptoms to indicate that something might be wrong. If left untreated, it can cause serious reproductive and health problems some of which may also not be obvious. For women, these include infertility, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease with chronic pelvic pain, inflammation of the bladder and lowered resistance to inflection generally – particularly HIV.

In men, untreated Chlamydia typically causes infections of the urethra (the tube that carries urine) and infection of the testis which leads to pain and possible infertility.

This is why the disease is referred to as 'silent' – and it is estimated that well over half of people with Chlamydia have no idea they have it. The alarming increase in the disease has been widely reported, and the Australian Government is now trialling a scheme where they are paying people between the age of 16 & 30 to have a Chlamydia test in a bid to combat its spread.

SYMPTOMS

Chlamydia infects the cervix and urethra, and even if the infection spreads to the uterus and fallopian tubes, many women may still show no symptoms. If symptoms are present, they will probably manifest themselves with abdominal pain, low back pain, pain during intercourse, nausea, fever, and possibly bleeding between periods. Chlamydia is the most frequent cause of pneumonia and conjunctivitis in newborn babies.

Men with symptoms may have a discharge from the penis and a burning sensation when urinating. There may also be irritation and burning around the opening of the urethra and/or pain and swelling in the testicles. The bacteria also can infect the throat through oral sex.

TESTING & TREATMENT

The good news is that Chlamydia is easily tested for with a simple swab or urine test, and treatment is a straightforward course of pills. We recommend re-testing 6 to 8 weeks after the completion of treatment. However it must be remembered that it is critically important that your partner is also treated, whether or not they have any symptoms.

Remember also that because most people are not aware of any symptoms, it is very wise indeed to have a Chlamydia test if you are sexually active. as explained, treatment is comparatively simple while on the other hand, the consequences if left untreated can be very serious indeed

PLEASE NOTE:
The information provided is intended only as a general guide to provide an overview of the condition. It must not be relied upon for any medical purpose.
Symptoms can vary a great deal from person to person, and the symptoms for various conditions can be identical.  
We therefore advise strongly against any self-diagnosis or self treatment based on this information and indeed, as a general principle.

The identification and treatment of any condition should be conducted only by a medical professional after due consultation.