Chlamydia
What is it?
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Chlamydia can infect the:
- vagina
- anus (bum)
- throat
Note: Chlamydia can also infect the eyes, but this is usually transmitted from a mother to infant at the time of birth. Babies can also get a lung infection (pneumonia) from chlamydia.
How do you get it?
You can get chlamydia through:
- vaginal sex (can infect both the vagina penis)
- anal sex [can infect both the anus (bum) and penis]
- oral sex (can infect both the throat and penis)
- using fingers or hands in the vagina or anus can also transmit chlamydia
What are the symptoms and signs?
Most people—75% of women and 50% of men—have no signs or symptoms at all. Even with no symptoms or signs, chlamydia can be causing damage on the inside, particularly for women.
Symptoms of chlamydia in women can include:
- unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
- pain in the abdomen
- painful sexual intercourse
- fever
- painful pissing or the urge to piss more frequently than usual
Tests for chlamydia
A doctor can diagnose chlamydia by swabbing the throat, vagina or anus.
Treatment for chlamydia
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Usually it is just two tablets taken at once. If you have sexual partners they need to be told about possible infection so they can be tested and treated too.
Preventing chlamydia
Using condoms and lube reduces the risk of getting or passing on chlamydia. You should also have regular women’s sexual health checks.