Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. You can get chlamydia by having unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex. This means that you can get chlamydia in the throat and anus as well as the genitals. One simple way to protect yourself is by using a condom when engaging in sexual intercourse.
Most people that have chlamydia do not experience any symptoms. You can still catch chlamydia from someone who has the infection, even if they have no symptoms.
Some of the symptoms include:
Women:
- discoloured discharge from vagina
- pelvic pain
- bleeding between periods
- pain when urinating
- pain during sex
Men:
- a discharge from the end of the penis
- sore testicles
- pain when urinating
- pain during sex
Antibiotics (usually a one-off dose) will treat chlamydia and kill the infection completely. If you have chlamydia, and it is left untreated, it can cause further health problems.
For more information and advice about treatment please visit a health specialist. Any of the options below will be able to help you.
- Family Planning centre
- School nurse
- Your Doctor
- Any sexual health clinic
Resources
Chlamydia: Information Guide
Available on HealthEd.
Page last updated: 09 July 2012
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