How Is Chlamydia Spread
It can also spread from an infected pregnant woman to her baby during childbirth, and it can infect the eyes if fluids containing chlamydia trachomatis get in them.
If someone has chlamydia and is sexually active before finishing their full treatment , they can still spread chlamydia.
And anyone who has had chlamydia and successfully treated it can get infected again.
Using barrier protection during sexual intercourse can decrease the risk.
Where Can I Get Tested
Sexual health clinics, a genitourinary medicine clinics or GP surgeries provide free and confidential chlamydia testing. In England there is a national screening program for people under 25 years test kits are available in many pharmacies, contraception clinics, or colleges. Home testing kits may also be purchased in some pharmacies and online.
Who Should Be Tested For Chlamydia
You should go to your health provider for a test if you have symptoms of chlamydia, or if you have a partner who has a sexually transmitted disease. Pregnant women should get a test when they go to their first prenatal visit.
People at higher risk should get checked for chlamydia every year:
- Sexually active women 25 and younger
- Older women who have new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted disease
- Men who have sex with men
Don’t Miss: Is There A Home Test For Chlamydia
Why Long Can You Have Chlamydia Before It Causes Damage
Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterial disease that gets transmitted easily to the private parts and takes only 1 or 3 weeks to show its symptoms. In most cases, the infected person is asymptomatic that means no resemblance of symptoms. As it is a sexually transmitted disease it affects the private parts and if they are left untreated it leads to severe conditions in both men and women.
The disease can spread from genitals to the main reproductive systems including fallopian tubes, uterus causing swelling. When the infection is severe it leads to Cervicitis, Urethritis, and Proctitis. These conditions are common in both men and women.
There are even other certain consequences when chlamydia is left untreated which include Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Tubal factor infertility, Ectopic pregnancies, and chronic pelvic pain. Sometimes the effect of this disease can result in women not getting pregnant. Though Chlamydia is an STD it gets cured by treating it with antibiotics which are called antibiotic therapy.
Azithromycin, Doxycycline is the most commonly prescribed antibiotics to the infected ones by doctors. In the initial stages of chlamydia one dose of 1g followed by 500mg Azithromycin is prescribed to take once a day for two days. And the Doxycycline is directed to take every day for a week. To get cured it takes only one week by following directions of the doctors and avoiding sex for that period.
How Does Chlamydia Spread
Chlamydia is spread when a person has unprotected sex with an infected person.
Because chlamydial infection often has no symptoms, many people do not realise they have the infection.
Even if you know a person well, you may not be able to tell they have an STI, because people can look healthy and still have chlamydia.
Remember, you can get chlamydia and other STIs from a new sexual partner who has in the past had sex with someone who is infected.
It can also be spread from a long-term partner who has had sex with other people.
Recommended Reading: Chlamydia Clear Up On Its Own
How Do I Take Doxycycline
Take two doses a day for one week. Gullet irritation is a risk with doxycycline. To avoid this swallow the capsules whole, taking them with water. This ensures they go straight into the stomach without sticking in the gullet. Taking them whilst upright, sitting or standing, will also help. For this reason don’t take doxycycline just before bed.
There is evidence that unlike some other tetracycline antibiotics, doxycycline absorption is not significantly slowed when taken with a meal. If nausea and tummy upset is a problem when taken on an empty stomach, the advice is to take with food.
Can You Have Chlamydia And Be Pregnant
Untreated chlamydial infection has been linked to problems during pregnancy, including preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and low birth weight. The newborn may also become infected during delivery as the baby passes through the birth canal. Exposed newborns can develop eye and lung infections.
How accurate is a urine test for chlamydia?
The sensitivity of clean urine to diagnose chlamydia was 86.2% and specificity was 98.8% . The sensitivity of dirty urine to diagnose chlamydia was 89.8% , and the specificity was 99.6% .
Can I test positive for chlamydia and my partner negative?
A: It is quite common for one partner to test positive and the other negative, even if they have been having sex without condoms. Mostly this is explained by luck and the role of other risk factors.
How accurate is a pee test for chlamydia?
How long can chlamydia lie dormant?
If you do get symptoms, these usually appear between 1 and 3 weeks after having unprotected sex with an infected person. For some people they dont develop until many months later. Sometimes the symptoms can disappear after a few days.
How accurate is the chlamydia urine test?
Can I test positive for chlamydia and my partner test negative?
Read Also: How Easy Is It To Get Chlamydia In The Throat
Does Chlamydia Make You Tired
In the later stages of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, people often complain about being extremely tired. Along with these infections, fatigue can also be caused by Hepatitis A, B, or C. Associating fatigue with having a busy lifestyle is not a good idea as it can be a symptom of a Sexually Transmitted Disease.
How Can You Treat Chlamydia
Following a positive test, the most common and effective treatment for Chlamydia is a course of antibiotics, usually over the period of one week. You should abstain for sexual activity for one week following a successful course of antibiotics and ensure that regular sexual partners, as well as previous partners, are informed and tested.
You May Like: Can You Give Someone Chlamydia After Being Treated
When And For How Long Can A Person Spread Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that most times doesnt show visible symptoms. However, the absence of the signs in an infected person doesnt mean that the infection cant still be transmitted to other people.
The exchange of body fluids during sexual activities gives the bacteria the chance to pass from one person to another, thereby increasing the prevalence of the infection.
A person can spread chlamydia to others if the infection remains untreated. This is why regular testing is highly advised for sexually active people aged 25 and under.
The asymptomatic nature of chlamydia means that people with the infection can pass it on to their sexual partners without even being aware of the disease.
Suppose you find out you or your partner has chlamydia. Immediately contact your medical expert to be prescribed a suitable treatment option before irreversible damages occur in your body.
Severe abdominal pain is one of the symptoms of a chlamydial infection
How Is It Treated
Antibiotics are used to treat chlamydia. Itâs important to take all of the medicine as directed. Otherwise the medicine may not work. Both sex partners need treatment to keep from passing the infection back and forth.
As soon as you find out you have chlamydia, be sure to let your sex partners know. Experts recommend that you notify everyone youâve had sex with in the past 2 months. If you have not had sex in the past 2 months, contact the last person you had sex with.
Having a chlamydia infection that was cured does not protect you from getting it again. If you are treated and your sex partner is not, you probably will get it again.
Some people who have chlamydia also have other STIs, such as gonorrhea.
Finding out that you have an STI may make you feel bad about yourself or about sex. Counseling or a support group may help you feel better.
Recommended Reading: What Are The Signs Of Having Chlamydia
Don’t Miss: What Do I Do If I Have Chlamydia
How Long Until Chlamydia Causes Damage
Symptoms usually appear within one to three weeks after being infected and may be very mild. If not treated, chlamydia can lead to damage to the reproductive system. In women, chlamydial infection can spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease , according to the CDC.
How Long Does It Take Chlamydia To Turn Into Pid
Bleeding between periods. How long after infection do symptoms appear? PID symptoms can appear shortly after being diagnosed with an STD such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. It may take upwards of a year for most people to develop PID, but others can develop it earlier, depending on the severity of the infection.
Recommended Reading: How Soon To Get Tested For Chlamydia
How Common Is Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common STI caused by bacteria. Nearly 2 million cases of chlamydia were reported to the CDC in 2019. The number of infections is likely even higher. When compared to previous years, 2019 infection rates increased among people of all genders, all races and ethnicities, and in every region of the U.S. Most cases of chlamydia are asymptomatic, which means there are no signs or symptoms of an infection. Many of these cases likely go unreported.
Certain demographic characteristics may make you more likely to get diagnosed with chlamydia. Youre more likely to get diagnosed if youre:
- A teen or young adult aged 15 to 24. More than half of all diagnosed chlamydia cases in the U.S. occur in this age group.
- A cisgender woman aged 15 to 24. Young women in this age group are targeted for chlamydia screenings, and the rate of infection among those who are tested is high.
- A man who has sex with men . Chlamydia infections disproportionately affect men who have sex with men.
- Black and non-Hispanic. Chlamydia infections disproportionately affect non-Hispanic Black populations.
Does Your Partner Need To Get Treated Too
If you have a sexual partner, or if youve recently had sex with someone, talk with them about your chlamydia diagnosis. Theyll need to get tested and treated, too.
If your sexual partner doesnt seek treatment, theres a risk that they can transmit it back to you, even after your infection has been cured.
Also Check: Amoxicillin For Chlamydia In Males
Do I Need To Have A Test To Know If Chlamydia Has Gone
Usually, the CDC recommends regular testing for chlamydia, considering how widespread the disease is. If you find out you have chlamydia and follow your doctors prescribed treatment religiously, the infection should easily be cured.
However, because recurrent chlamydial infections are common, ensure you get tested at least three months after your treatment. In addition, you should ensure that your sexual partners are appropriately treated, as failure to do so puts you at a heightened risk of getting re-infected.
Why Is It Important To Treat Chlamydia
If left untreated chlamydia is unlikely to go away. It can be passed onto sexual partners and can cause serious harm. Women can get cervicitis or pelvic inflammatory disease. This can result in permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, which may lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia also can cause a reactive arthritis. Men can suffer with urethritis , this can spread to the contents of the scrotal sac – epididymis and testicles. This causes pain, and in severe cases infertility. Men can also get a reactive arthritis.
Also Check: How To Diagnose Chlamydia And Gonorrhea
What Std Causes Infertility In Females
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the two sexually transmitted diseases that can cause infertility or make pregnancy difficult in females.
Along with potentially causing PID, untreated chlamydia can cause problems during pregnancy, this includes preterm labor, low birth weight, and the passing on of the infection to the newborn. Untreated gonorrhea can also be passed on to a newborn during pregnancy and has also been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
See also:Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: How to Know the Difference
One of the most reliable ways to keep an eye on your sexual health is through regular sexual health screening. This can be done with your doctor or from home with an at-home lab test.
LetsGetCheckeds range of at-home Sexual Health Tests can detect some of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Online results will be available within 2-5 days and our dedicated clinical team will be available to answer any questions you may have throughout the process. Should you test positive, you will receive a call to discuss your results and your treatment options.
- You have had unprotected sex
- You are experiencing symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection
- You are entering into a new sexual relationship
- You have received a notification from a previous partner that they are infected
You May Like: Treatment For Chlamydia And Trichomoniasis
How Did I Get Chlamydia If I Didnt Cheat
A note from Cleveland Clinic
It can be embarrassing to talk about anything sex-related with your healthcare provider, including STI prevention. But your sex life is an important part of your health that your provider needs to know about to care for you. Not getting the treatment you need for chlamydia can pose serious risks to your health. Speak with your provider about getting regularly screened for chlamydia and other STIs to reduce your risks of complications. Practice safer sex to prevent the spread of chlamydia.
Dont Miss: Are Chlamydia And Gonorrhea Curable
Recommended Reading: Can I Buy Antibiotics Over The Counter For Chlamydia
How Will I Know If I Have Chlamydia
You can only be certain you have chlamydia if you have a test.
Anyone can get chlamydia. Youre more likely to have it if youre under 25, have a new sexual partner, or more than one sexual partner in the last year, and if you havent used condoms.
You should have a test if:
- you, or a partner, have or think you might have symptoms
- youve recently had sex without a condom with a new partner
- you, or a partner, have had sex without a condom with other partners
- during a vaginal examination, your doctor or nurse says that the cervix is inflamed and/or theres an unusual discharge
- a sexual partner tells you they have a sexually transmitted infection
- you have another STI.
If you live in England, and youre a woman who is under 25 and sexually active, its recommended that you have a chlamydia test when you change sexual partner and once a year.
If youre a man who is under 25 and sexually active, its recommended that you have a chlamydia test once a year if you are not using condoms with new or casual partners.
You could still have chlamydia even if a partner has tested negative. The only way to make sure you dont have chlamydia is to get tested yourself.
If you have chlamydia, youll be encouraged to be tested for other STIs as you can have more than one STI at the same time.
How Will I Know If The Chlamydia Has Affected My Fertility
Chlamydia is just one of many factors that can affect your fertility. Most people whove had chlamydia wont become infertile or have an ectopic pregnancy . If youve had chlamydia you wont normally be offered any routine tests to see if youre fertile unless you or a partner are having difficulty getting pregnant. If youre concerned, talk to your doctor or practice nurse.
Recommended Reading: What Are Symptoms Of Chlamydia In Males
How Long After Treatment Can I Have Sex Again
Suppose youre taking medications for the treatment of chlamydia. You should stay away from sex within this period. However, you can typically start having sex after completing your treatment.
For example, suppose youre treating your chlamydia with doxycycline. Make sure to stay away from sex until you and your sexual partners have completed your treatment.
Alternatively, if youre using azithromycin, it will be best to wait for seven days after finishing your treatment to start having sex.
The Steadyhealth Team Reacts
Chlamydia often has no symptoms unless left untreated for a long time, and the same also holds true for many other sexually-transmitted diseases. This is why anyone who is sexually active benefits from regular STD testing even if youre monogamous, theres a chance your partner may not be. It is, however, especially good to get tested:
- If you have just started a new relationship
- You and your partner would like to ditch the condoms
- You have just found out your partner has had sex with someone else or multiple other people
- You have sex with multiple partners of unknown STD status, even if you use condoms
If, after an STD test, you are positive for Chlamydia, you will be treated with antibiotics.
Read Also: What’s Chlamydia Caused By
Where Can I Get More Information
Health care providers with STD consultation requests can contact the STD Clinical Consultation Network . This service is provided by the National Network of STD Clinical Prevention Training Centers and operates five days a week. STDCCN is convenient, simple, and free to health care providers and clinicians. More information is available at www.stdccn.orgexternal icon.
Division of STD Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-38271-800-783-987
References
1. OFarrell N, Morison L, Moodley P, et al. Genital ulcers and concomitant complaints in men attending a sexually transmitted infections clinic: implications for sexually transmitted infections management. Sexually transmitted diseases 2008 35:545-9.
2. White JA. Manifestations and management of lymphogranuloma venereum. Current opinion in infectious diseases 2009 22:57-66.
3. Kreisel KM, Spicknall IH, Gargano JW, Lewis FM, Lewis RM, Markowitz LE, Roberts H, Satcher Johnson A, Song R, St. Cyr SB, Weston EJ, Torrone EA, Weinstock HS. Sexually transmitted infections among US women and men: Prevalence and incidence estimates, 2018. Sex Transm Dis 2021 in press.
4. CDC. Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance, 2019. Atlanta, GA: Department of Health and Human Services April 2021.
5. Torrone E, Papp J, Weinstock H. Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infection Among Persons Aged 1439 Years United States, 20072012. MMWR 2014 63:834-8.