Overview

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia. It is caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis and it frequently goes undetected as it does not always cause symptoms.

Symptoms of chlamydia may include burning on urination, abnormal discharge and genital discomfort.

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause fertility issues in both men and women.

Chlamydia is easily detectable via a non-invasive test, and treatable.

Cause

Chlamydia trachomatis is spread by sexual contact and it may take weeks to months for symptoms to present.

Chlamydia mostly affects the genital region but can infect the anus and throat. Barrier protection, such as a male or female condom, reduces the risk of spreading chlamydia infections.

Symptoms

It can be difficult to recognise the symptoms of chlamydia, with up to 75% of women and 50% of men showing no symptoms for up to 6 months.

Symptoms in women may include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge

• Vaginal discomfort

• Pelvic pain

• Bleeding between periods

• Bleeding after sex

• Pain with sex

• Discomfort with urinating

Symptoms in men may include:

• Penile discharge

• Penile redness

• Discomfort with urinating

• Testicular tenderness

• Pelvic pain

Anorectal chlamydia infections may cause pain on bowel motions, discharge and bleeding. Throat chlamydia infections may cause sore throat, and white discharge at the back of the throat.

Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects a chlamydia infection, they will send you for a urine sample. If there is discharge present, your doctor will often take a swab of this to assist in diagnosis.

Treatment

Asthma infections are usually simple to test and treat.

Your doctor will be able to discuss treatment options with you. If symptoms do not resolve after treatment, you will need to see your doctor immediately again.

It is important to tell any partners you have had for the last 6 months that they need to be tested for a chlamydia infection as well (this is known as contact tracing). You are advised not to have sex with anyone for 7 days after finishing your treatment and not have sex with anyone you have been with in the last 6 months who has not been tested and/or treated.

Using barrier protection, including male or female condoms, helps to reduce the spread of all STIs.

Chlamydia is a notifiable condition in the ACT and WA, meaning your doctor will notify the local Health Department if you live in these locations. This is used only to track chlamydia infections to ensure there is not an outbreak, or to limit an outbreak if it becomes problematic.

Even though STIs, like chlamydia are common, many people still find it hard to talk openly about them.

STI prevention and management are part of the standard medical care any GP provides. Please feel able to raise any sexual health topic with a GP.

As with any health concern the best place to start is with a doctor's consultation, they can guide you through a diagnosis and treatment options.

References

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