Chlamydia: The silent STI you need to know about

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world—but many people have never heard of it. Why? Because chlamydia often causes no symptoms at all, making it easy to overlook. In this article, we’ll explore what chlamydia is, how it is transmitted (and what doesn’t transmit it), and how you can protect yourself through testing and treatment. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want peace of mind, this guide will help you better understand one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) STIs today.

Table of Contents

• What is chlamydia
• Factors that increase your risk of chlamydia
• Activities that do not transmit chlamydia
• Can you get chlamydia without having sex?
• Can you get chlamydia more than once?
• How can I test for chlamydia?
• How to treat chlamydia
• Myths about chlamydia

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Never heard of chlamydia before? That’s not surprising—although it is one of the most widespread STIs, chlamydia often causes no symptoms. In this blog, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of what chlamydia is, how it can be transmitted, and how it is treated.

Like many other sexually transmitted infections, chlamydia is transmitted through sexual intercourse or contact with infected genital fluids. In addition, pregnant women can pass chlamydia to their babies during childbirth. This can lead to serious eye infections or pneumonia. In summary, chlamydia can be transmitted through the following types of contact:

• Unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex
• Contact of infected vaginal fluid or semen with your eye
• Sharing sex toys that have not been washed or covered with a condom

Source: NHS, 2022

Factors that increase your risk of Chlamydia

There are multiple factors that can increase an individual’s chances of getting Chlamydia. These factors include:

• Having unprotected sex
• Having a history of STIs
• Being sexually active before the age of 25
• Having more than one sex partner

Source: Mayo Clinic

Activities that will not transmit Chlamydia

There are many myths about how one can catch Chlamydia and regarding contact with people who are infected. Other than hugging and kissing, the following actions pose zero risk for contracting Chlamydia:

• Sharing a towel
• Sharing a bathtub or shower
• Visiting a public swimming pool
• Using a public or shared restroom

Can you catch Chlamydia without having sex?

Apart from being infected during childbirth, you cannot catch Chlamydia without some type of sexual contact. However, you can catch Chlamydia without any penetrative sex, as exposure to genital fluids is enough to transmit Chlamydia. Therefore, hugging is not considered a risk activity, but hugging naked or oral sex could be a risk activity.

Can you get Chlamydia multiple times?

Yes, you can. While Chlamydia is easy to treat, it is not possible to become immune against Chlamydia bacteria and multiple infections can occur (CDC, 2022). Therefore, it is crucial to use a condom when having sex with a partner who has not been recently tested, and get tested yourself on a regular basis.

How can I test for Chlamydia?

If you have had unprotected sex or are with a new partner, you should consider doing a Homed-IQ Chlamydia test at home. This way, your test is completely anonymous, and no doctor or nurse is involved. There are two versions of the Chlamydia test; a urine test for infections of the penis, and a swab test for vaginal infections.

How to treat Chlamydia

As easy as you can get Chlamydia, as easy it is to treat it. Chlamydia is treated easily with antibiotics. You may be prescribed seven days of doxycycline or a three-day course of azithromycin (NHS, 2022). If you are prescribed doxycycline, you should refrain from having intercourse (which also includes oral sex) until you have finished your treatment. With azithromycin, you should wait 7 days before having intercourse (also including oral sex). To help halt the spread of the infection, it’s critical that your present sexual partner and any other recent sexual partners are also tested and treated if needed. In the Netherlands, it is possible to anonymously warn your partner with https://partnerwaarschuwing.nl/. In the event of a positive result, Homed-IQ can coordinate a code to be generated to use this service.

Myths about Chlamydia

As mentioned earlier, there are many myths and misconceptions about Chlamydia.

Myth #1: You can catch Chlamydia by sharing food or a drink with an infected partner

• This is not true. You cannot get Chlamydia by sharing food or drinks with an infected partner. Saliva does not transmit Chlamydia.

Myth #2: You can get Chlamydia from kissing an infected partner

• No, you will not catch Chlamydia from kissing an infected partner. However, it is possible to contract Chlamydia through oral sex because it involves exposure to semen or vaginal fluid.

Myth #3: You can get Chlamydia from a public or shared restroom

• No, this is not possible. Only direct sexual contact with infected partners can transmit it.

Myth #4: You can catch Chlamydia in a public swimming pool or a hot tub

• This is also impossible. You cannot catch Chlamydia from a public swimming pool or by sharing a hot tub.

Knowing the facts about sexual health and getting tested regularly is key to staying healthy and safe.