Chlamydia is a sexually transmissible infection (STI). It is the most common bacterial STI in Australia. It can cause an infection of the cervix (the lower part of the womb) and/or the urethra (tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body) and/or the anus (bottom). Less commonly, chlamydia can also infect the eyes and throat.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms which is why check-ups are important. A person may have chlamydia for months or even years without knowing it. If you have symptoms, they may include:

• a change in vaginal discharge
• vaginal bleeding after sex
• vaginal bleeding in between periods
• heavier than usual periods
• pelvic pain during or after sex
• stinging or burning when passing urine
• discharge from the penis
• pain or tenderness in the testicles
• rectal pain, bleeding or discharge

These symptoms also happen with other conditions and other infections. It is important to have the right diagnosis so you can get the right treatment.

How does someone get infected with chlamydia?

You can get chlamydia by having vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom, with someone who has the infection.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

Chlamydia testing is done by checking a urine sample or swab. Swabs can be taken to test your cervix, vagina, urethra, anus (bottom), eye or throat. You may be invited to collect your own vaginal, throat or anal swabs. After collection, the specimens are sent to the laboratory to see if the genetic material (DNA) of the chlamydia bacteria is present.

How long does testing take and how do I get my results?

In most cases, you will get your test results in a few days. Your health professional will let you know how to get your results and where and how to get treatment.

What is the treatment for chlamydia?

Chlamydia is treated with oral antibiotics. It is important to be treated to prevent complications and spread of infection, even if you have no symptoms.

What can happen if chlamydia is not treated?

Untreated chlamydia can cause:

• infection in your fallopian tubes or pelvis, which is called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• PID can have serious consequences including infertility, long-lasting pelvic pain and ectopic (tubal) pregnancy.
• problems during pregnancy for you and your baby
• pain in your testicles and scarring which may lead to infertility
• conjunctivitis (eye infection)

Do I need to tell my sexual partners?

Yes, it is important to tell your sexual partners as they may also have chlamydia through vaginal, oral or anal sex. All partners in the past 6 months, or since your last negative test, should get tested.

How do I tell my sexual partner(s)?

Your clinician will discuss how to tell your partners with you (known as contact tracing or partner notification).

There are 3 main ways of telling your sexual partners:

• you can contact your partners yourself
• you can let your partners know anonymously via specific websites (see below)
• your clinical team can contact your partners without identifying you

You can choose to tell some partners yourself or by website and ask your clinical team to contact others.

When can I have sex again?

Wait for 7 days after you begin treatment, or until the course is completed and your symptoms have cleared up, whichever is later.

Make sure all your partners over the last 6 months have been tested (and treated if necessary) before having sex with them again, to reduce your risk of getting reinfected with chlamydia.

Do I need more tests after I have been treated?

Yes. To check you do not have chlamydia again, have a repeat test 3 months after treatment.

If you are pregnant or had rectal chlamydia infection that was treated with azithromycin, you need another test 4-6 weeks after treatment.

How do I avoid getting infected again?

• Chlamydia infection does not give you protection (immunity) to reinfection
• Make sure that your current sexual partner(s) are tested and treated if necessary
• Use condoms or dams for protection with oral, anal and vaginal sex
• Ask new partners to get tested before you decide to stop using condoms or dams
• Have regular STI check-ups to identify infection early

If you need more information or have any questions, please contact the Canberra Sexual Health Centre on (02) 5124 2184 or talk to your GP.

Contact tracing websites:

• Let Them Know
• Notify a partner - Better to Know
• Diagnosed with an STI? Let your partners know - The Drama Downunder

Other resources:

• Chlamydia - STI Testing and Prevention - Stay STI Free (also in other languages)
• Chlamydia factsheet - long (youngdeadlyfree.org.au)

References:

• Chlamydia | STI Guidelines Australia