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Chlamydia (Clam-id-ee-a)

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can infect the reproductive organs in girls and guys. Less commonly, it can infect the throat and anus.

How is it passed on?

  • Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
  • Sharing sex toys

Symptoms

Usually no symptoms, but may include:

  • unusual discharge (fluid) from the penis, vagina or anus
  • pain during sex
  • pain when peeing
  • girls may notice bleeding in between periods
  • lower abdominal pain

Chlamydia is the most common STI among young people in Australia.

How is it tested?

  • Urine test (pee in a cup) and/or
  • Swab sample from the vagina, anus or throat

Chlamydia is known as the ‘silent infection’ as most people have no signs or symptoms.

How is it treated?

  • A single dose of antibiotic tablets.
  • Your sexual partner/s will need to be tested and treated to avoid re-infecting each other.
  • Avoid having sex for seven days after you have both been treated to prevent passing the infection onto your partner/s or becoming infected again yourself.
  • A follow-up test in three months’ time to make sure you haven’t got the infection again.

How can I prevent getting it?

  • Use a condom during vaginal, anal or oral sex and when sharing sex toys.

Chlamydia