In Women and those with Vaginas

Unusual vaginal discharge: A change in the amount, colour, or smell of vaginal discharge.

Burning sensation during urination: Pain or discomfort when peeing.

Pain during sex: Discomfort or pain during intercourse.

Bleeding between periods: Unexpected bleeding not related to your menstrual cycle.

Abdominal pain: Lower abdominal or pelvic pain.

In Men and those with Penises

Discharge from the penis: Unusual discharge that may be white, cloudy, or watery.

Burning sensation during urination: Pain or discomfort when peeing.

Pain and swelling in the testicles: Swelling or pain in one or both testicles, although this is less common.

In everyone

Rectal symptoms: Pain, discharge, or bleeding from the rectum if the infection is present there, which can occur through receptive anal sex.

Throat infection: Sore throat or other throat symptoms if infected through oral sex, though this is less common.

Asymptomatic Cases

Many people with chlamydia do not experience any symptoms, which is why regular screening is important, especially if you're sexually active with multiple partners or a new partner.

If you notice any of these symptoms or think you might have been exposed to chlamydia, it's important to see a healthcare provider for testing and treatment. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious health complications.

Chlamydia is primarily transmitted through sexual contact with someone who already has the virus. Here are the main ways it can be spread:

Condomless vaginal, anal, or oral sex: Chlamydia can be transmitted through any type of sexual activity involving contact with mucous membranes, such as the vagina, anus, or mouth.

Direct genital contact: Even without penetration, skin-to-skin contact between genitals can spread chlamydia.

Sharing sex toys: If sex toys are shared without being properly cleaned or covered with a new condom for each partner, they can transmit chlamydia.

Mother-to-child transmission: A pregnant woman with chlamydia can pass the infection to her baby during childbirth, which can lead to eye infections and pneumonia in the newborn.

It's important to note that chlamydia can be transmitted even if someone doesn't have any symptoms. Therefore, practicing safer sex measures, such as using condoms or dental dams consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission. Regular testing for STIs, especially if you have multiple sexual partners is also important for early detection and treatment of chlamydia and other infections. As Chlamydia is a bacterial infection it can be acquired through performing oral sex without barrier protection.

Preventing chlamydia primarily involves practicing safer sex and taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of transmission. Here are some key prevention strategies:

Use condoms consistently and correctly: Condoms provide a barrier that can significantly reduce the risk of chlamydia transmission during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It's important to use condoms from start to finish with each sexual encounter.

Communicate with partners: Open and honest communication with sexual partners about STIs, testing, and safer sex practices is crucial for preventing chlamydia transmission. Discussing sexual history and getting tested together can help foster trust and reduce the risk of infection.

Get tested regularly: Regular STI testing, including chlamydia testing, is important, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or engage in high-risk sexual behaviours. Testing allows for early detection and treatment, which can prevent the spread of chlamydia and its complications.

Avoid sharing sex toys: If sex toys are used, clean them thoroughly between uses and consider using condoms or barriers to prevent the spread of chlamydia and other STIs.

By incorporating these prevention strategies into your sexual health practices, you can reduce the risk of chlamydia transmission and protect yourself and your sexual partners from infection.

Chlamydia is typically treated with antibiotics, which are highly effective in clearing the virus. Here are the key aspects of treating chlamydia:

Prescription antibiotics: The most common antibiotics prescribed for chlamydia are azithromycin or doxycycline. These antibiotics work by killing the chlamydia bacteria. Treatment usually involves a single dose of azithromycin or a week-long course of doxycycline taken twice daily.

Complete the full course: It's important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve or disappear before the medication is finished. Failure to complete the treatment can result in the infection persisting or recurring.

Overall, chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics, but prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing complications and reducing the risk of transmission to others. If you suspect you have chlamydia or have been exposed to someone with the infection, it's important to see a healthcare provider for testing and treatment.