What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis, which causes an infection (inflammation) in the urinary tract and/or the cervix.

Chlamydia does not cause any symptoms in most cases. However, People with chlamydia who do not have symptoms may still pass the infection to others.

Symptoms

Symptoms may not appear until 1-3 weeks after contracting the infection.

Women may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, a burning sensation when urinating, and spotting.

Men may experience abnormal discharge from the urethra, and a burning sensation when urinating.

Complications

In women, an untreated infection may spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease can cause serious reproductive health complications, including infertility and higher risk of extrauterine pregnancies.

In men, an untreated infection may cause an inflammation in one of the epididymis (the tube that carries sperm) giving rise to one-sided swelling of the scrotum. Chlamydia does not cause infertility in men.

Examination and results

For women, a swab specimen from the urethra and the cervix.

For men, the test is either a urine sample or a swab specimen from the urethra.

Test results will be available within 7-10 days.

Treatment

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics. You will be provided with a prescription.

We recommend that you do not have sex during the first week of treatment.

Prevention

It is important that you contact your sexual partners (including oral sex) within the past 6 months and advise them to get tested, even if they do not have any symptoms.

Remember to use protection to avoid future infections.

Pregnancy

Babies born to infected mothers can get eye infections and pneumonia. As such, treatment of pregnant women is very important.