‍Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Aotearoa New Zealand and affects people of any gender. 

The good news is that it can be easily detected with STI screening, and is easily treated with antibiotics. If chlamydia is not treated, serious and permanent damage can occur. 

Most people who have chlamydia (up to 75%) don't have any symptoms. But even without symptoms it can still spread to other people, so regular health check-ups are important.

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Symptoms of chlamydia

While many people may not show symptoms, when symptoms occur in women, they can include:

• Painful urination
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pain during intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (if infected rectally)

In men, symptoms can include:

• Discharge from the penis
• Burning sensation during urination
• Pain and swelling in one or both testicles (less common)

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis essential to prevent complications and transmission. Your health provider may: 

• Conduct a full history and physical examination including discussion of symptoms and sexual history
• Recommend a urine test or swab from the cervix (for women), throat, or rectum
• Advise additional testing for other STIs, as co-infections are possible

When to see a doctor

• If you or your partner exhibit any symptoms of chlamydia
• If you have had unprotected sex and are concerned about possible exposure
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant and wish to ensure sexual health

Treatment options

Medical treatments:

• Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics:some text
  • Doxycycline is recommended if you're having any symptoms. It's taken twice per day over 7 days.
  • Azithromycin is an alternative and is a single-dose treatment. This is only recommended if you don't have any symptoms. It's also used to treat chlamydia in pregnancy or when breast feeding. 
• It's important to finish all the antibiotics, otherwise the infection may not be properly treated.
• Avoid having sex without a condom during treatment because the infection can still be transmitted. Use condoms for 7 days after the start of treatment and until 7 days after all current sexual contacts have been treated.
• If you're on a combined oral contraceptive pill, use a condom for 14 days when having sex, as antibiotics can affect the reliability of the contraceptive pill.

After completing the treatment, phone your healthcare provider or return to the clinic for a follow-up after 3 months to check you have not been re-infected.

If you have had any sexual contact without a condom with your sexual contact/s it's very likely they are infected with chlamydia as well. Any sexual contacts you've had in the last 3 months (regardless of condom use), need to be notified. This means they need to have a sexual health check-up and it is usually recommended they are treated for chlamydia regardless of their symptoms or test results.

Prevention and self-help:

• Condoms: Anyone who is sexually active can catch chlamydia. You're most at risk if you have a new sexual partner or don't use a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom, when having sex.
• Regular STI screenings: Regular screenings are crucial, especially if you have multiple sexual partners.
• Communication with partners: Ensure open and honest communication with sexual partners about STI status and testing.