Chlamydia

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What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is an infection that can be passed from person to person during vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has the infection. Chlamydia can infect the throat, anus (bottom), urethra (urine passage), cervix (neck of the uterus) and eyes.

Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmissible infection (STI) that often has no symptoms.

This means you won’t know you have it unless you get an STI test. Even without symptoms, it can be passed on. Without proper treatment, chlamydia can cause serious health problems.

How do you get chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be passed on when you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia. Using protection such as a condom and/or dam is a great and effective way to protect you from chlamydia.

How do you prevent chlamydia?

Use condoms during oral, vaginal or anal sex will prevent the infection from being passed on. Condoms can also be changed between partners when sharing sex toys.
If you’ve got chlamydia, don’t have sex with anyone until seven days after you’ve finished your antibiotics.
Regular STI testing – every 6-12 months – is also important and part of a healthy and confident sex life.

What are the tests for chlamydia?

Chlamydia is tested for by a urine sample or a self-collected swab. Sometimes a throat swab or self-collected anal swab might need to be taken too.

You can get a chlamydia test at your local doctor, a sexual health clinic and some university health clinics. You can call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 (free call) to find the closest service to you. STI tests are easy, confidential and nothing to be ashamed about.

What is the treatment for chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be easily treated with one course of antibiotics (oral tablets) from your doctor or nurse.

If your test is positive for chlamydia, it’s important to let your sexual partners know so they can get tested and treated too. If you need help contacting your partners ask your doctor, visit Let Them Know or call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 (free call).

If you would like an interpreter to help you access health services or information, please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.