Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that's spread through sexual contact. It's one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can spread from one partner to another during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Most people who have chlamydia don't have symptoms. But they can still infect their sex partners.
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Treatment is important. If chlamydia isn't treated, it can lead to other problems. For example, it can cause a severe infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. (This is called pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID.).This can make it hard to get pregnant in the future. It can also lead to another kind of infection that causes pain and burning when you urinate (urethritis).
It's easy to get chlamydia again. Condoms can help prevent infections. Not having sex is the best way to prevent any sexually transmitted infection.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
If your doctor prescribed antibiotics to take at home, take them as directed. Don't stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
Don't have sex with anyone while you are being treated. If your treatment is a single dose of antibiotics, wait at least 7 days after you take the dose before you have sex. Even if you use a condom, you and your partner may pass the infection back and forth.
Make sure to tell your sex partner or partners that you have chlamydia. They should get treated, even if they don't have symptoms.
Get any tests your doctor suggests. Your doctor may do tests for other STIs. And you may be advised to get tested again for chlamydia in several months.
How can you prevent it?
Here are some ways to help prevent STIs:
Limit your sex partners. Sex with one partner who has sex only with you can reduce your risk of getting an STI.
Talk with your partner or partners about STIs before having sex. Find out if they are at risk for an STI. It's possible to have an STI and not know it.
Wait to have sex with a new partner until you've each been tested.
Don't have sex if you have symptoms of an infection or if you're being treated for an STI.
Use a condom every time you have sex.
If you had sex without a condom, ask your doctor if taking a preventive medicine is recommended. It may help prevent certain STIs if it's taken within 24 to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
Don't share sex toys. But if you do share them, use a condom and clean the sex toys between each use.
Don't feel pressure to have sex. It's okay to say "no" anytime you want to stop.
Make sure you feel safe with your partner or partners. If you don't, talk with an adult you trust.
Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV. Ask your doctor for more information.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
You have sudden, severe pain in your belly or pelvis.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
You have new belly or pelvic pain.
You have a fever.
You have new or increased burning or pain with urination, or you cannot urinate.
You have pain, swelling, or tenderness in the scrotum.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
You have unusual vaginal bleeding.
You have a discharge from the vagina or penis.
You think you may have been exposed to another STI.
Your symptoms get worse or have not improved within 1 week after starting treatment.
You have any new symptoms, such as sores, bumps, rashes, blisters, or warts in the genital or anal area.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.
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