Chlamydia Information, Testing & Treatment

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection which affects the cervix and the urethra 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 known as a "silent" disease due to the fact that about three quarters of infected women and about half of infected men have no symptoms. If an infected person has symptoms they will usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks of exposure.

If left untreated, Chlamydia infections can develop into to serious reproductive and general health problems. Like the disease itself, the damage that Chlamydia causes is often "silent."

In up to 40 percent of women, untreated infections can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues and lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and an ectopic pregnancy. Women infected with Chlamydia are up to five times more likely to become infected with HIV, if exposed.

Symptoms

Men
Men with signs or symptoms might have a discharge from their penis or a burning sensation when urinating. Men might also have burning and itching around the opening of the penis. Pain and swelling in the testicles are uncommon.

Women
In women, the bacteria initially infect the cervix and the urethra which can result in an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. When the infection spreads from the cervix to the fallopian tubes some women still have no signs or symptoms; others have lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual periods. If left untreated Chlamydia can lead to infertility.

In pregnant women, there is some evidence that untreated Chlamydia infections can lead to premature births. Babies born to infected mothers can get Chlamydia infections in their eyes and their respiratory tracts. Chlamydia is the most frequent cause of pneumonia and conjunctivitis in newborn babies.

Chlamydia can also lead to a painful joint condition known as Sexually Acquired Reactive Arthritis.

Testing and treatment

Chlamydia can be easily tested by taking a swab or by using a urine test.  If the test is positive then it can be treated with antibiotics.  The most common treatment is azithromycin as it is a one off dose.  Another treatment is doxycycline but this is usually a one week course. Re-testing for Chlamydia is not normally required as the treatments are highly effective. If you need to be tested again based on medical advice or persistence of symptoms, we recommend that you leave at least 3 weeks clear after treatment has been completed. Testing inside this window can lead to false results.  It is essential that all current and recent sexual partners are also treated; even if they do not have any symptoms.

It is recommended that you do not have sex for at least 7 days after you finish your treatment. This will ensure that you are completely clear and not able to pass on the infection.

If you are suffering any symptoms such as genital discharge or a burning sensation when you urinate, we recommend the Full Sexual Health Screen so that we can determine what is causing the problem.  Please do not try to guess which infection you may have as it is normally difficult to determine this without a test!