Chlamydia: What you need to know
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. It’s caused by bacteria and is often easily treated with a short course of antibiotics. The tricky part is that chlamydia doesn’t always show symptoms, which means it can go unnoticed and potentially cause complications if left untreated. If you've had unprotected sex, it’s a good idea to get tested – even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms.
How do you get chlamydia?
Chlamydia is spread through contact with semen or vaginal fluid. The infection can be passed on through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and there’s also a risk when sharing sex toys.
It’s important to note that sex doesn’t need to be penetrative for chlamydia to spread. If your genitals come into contact with your partner’s, the bacteria can be transferred. In rare cases, you could also get a chlamydia infection in the eye if it comes into contact with infected fluids.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
Around 70% of women and 50% of men who have chlamydia don’t experience any symptoms, which is why testing is so important. For those who do have symptoms, they may notice:
- Painful urination
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
Women may also experience:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Irregular bleeding (e.g., bleeding between periods or after sex)
Men might feel:
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
- Itching or a burning sensation in the urethra
