STI - Sexually Transmitted Infections (pamphlet)

Chlamydia

What is it?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by bacteria. It is very common, especially among teenagers and young adults. Chlamydia can cause serious health problems. It has to be treated.

How do you get it?

You can get Chlamydia if you have unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex with a person who already has the infection. If you are pregnant you can pass it on to your baby when you are giving birth.

How can you tell if you have it?

You may have Chlamydia and not have any signs or symptoms.  You can pass it on without even knowing that you have it.

If you have Chlamydia and you do have symptoms, you might notice:

Female

• a change or an increase in discharge from your vagina
• an itchy vagina
• a little bit of bleeding even when it is not time for you period
• bleeding during or after you have vaginal sex
• pain in you lower abdomen
• pain when you urinate

Male

• a burning feeling when you urinate
• a watery or milky discharge coming out of your penis
• burning or itching around the hole of your penis
• pain in your testicles

How do you get tested?

If you are female, a doctor or nurse will check for infection by taking a swab from the cervix [the opening to the uterus] or they may ask you for a urine sample. If you are male, the doctor or nurse will ask you for a urine sample or they may swab the urethra [the opening of the penis]

How is it treated?

It can be cured with antibiotics. It is important to tell your sexual partner[s] that you have Chlamydia. They also need to be treated. You and your partner should not have sex until you have completed treatment and have been told that the infection is gone. Even if you are treated for this infection, you can get it back if you have sex with someone who is infected or has not been treated.

STIs, including chlamydia, often have no symptoms at all.