Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI). It spreads through vaginal, anal and/or oral sex without proper use of a condom or oral dam. If not detected and treated, it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which can cause infertility (the inability to have a baby), tubal pregnancy, and sterility.

Symptoms

People with chlamydia may show no signs or symptoms or may experience any of the following:

• Pain or burning during urination.
• Pain, itching, bleeding, and/or discharge in rectum (chlamydia in rectum).
• Redness, itching and/or discharge of eyes (chlamydia in the eyes).
• Sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, and/or fever (chlamydia in the throat).

People with a vagina may experience:

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse or between menstrual periods.
• Vaginal discharge.
• Pain in the abdomen or lower back.
• Pain during intercourse.

People with a penis may experience:

• Itchy urethra.
• Clear, watery or milky discharge from the penis.
• Testicular pain or swelling.

Testing and treatment

The only way to know if you have chlamydia is to get tested!

A healthcare provider tests for chlamydia through a urine test and/or swabbing the affected area. If detected early, antibiotics can treat and cure chlamydia. See your health-care provider for STBBI testing.

Prevention is key to protecting yourself and your partner from STBBIs. Click here for safer sex tips. Test of cure should be performed at least three weeks after completion of treatment.

Prevention

To reduce your risk of getting chlamydia, follow these practices:

• Talk about STBBIs and safer sex options with every partner to ensure that you protect one another.
• Use a condom and/or oral dam properly and consistently each time you are sexually active.
• See your healthcare provider or go to a sexual health clinic to be tested for STBBIs if you are sexually active or starting a sexual relationship with a new partner.
• You and your partner should be tested for STBBIs before becoming sexually active and then again in three to six months.
• Post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) is a way to help prevent the transmission of chlamydia for gbMSM (gay/bisexual men who have sex with men) or TGW (transgender women) who may have been exposed to the bacteria through contact with bodily fluids. It involves taking a medication within 24 hours, but no later than 72 hours after sexual activity. For more information on doxy-PEP, check out CATIE: doxy-PEP or talk to your health-care provider.

Services related to this information:

• For information on doxy-PEP: CATIE doxy PEP.
• Contact Planned Parenthood — NL Sexual Health Centre at 1-877 NO MYTHS (666-9847) or 709-579-1009
• Contact your Public Health Nurse.
• 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555

Eastern-Urban:

• Contact the Sexual Health Clinic at sexualhealthclinic@easternhealth.ca.
• Contact the community walk-in clinic (Mundy Pond) at 709-777-1706