Chlamydiais a sexually transmitted infection (STI) triggered by bacteria.
It is estimated that 1 in 5 people in the United States has an STI.
Chlamydia spreads through vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
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Most people with chlamydia don’t show symptoms, but the infection can cause serious complications if left untreated.
Regular screening can help catch asymptomatic cases of chlamydia.
Chlamydia can usually be cured with antibiotics.
This article discusses the symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prevention of chlamydia.
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What Are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?
Most people with chlamydia do not havesymptoms.
If symptoms are present, they vary depending on where the infection is located.
Chlamydia is referred to as a “silent disease” because people with the infection are often asymptomatic.
Symptoms may also appear and then go away after a few days.
This does not mean the infection is gone.
Even if you don’t have symptoms, chlamydia can be passed to others.
How Is Chlamydia Transmitted?
Chlamydia can be transmitted through:
Ejaculation does not have to occur for chlamydia to spread.
Can You Get Chlamydia From Oral Sex?
It is possible to get chlamydia from oral sex.
Chlamydia is transmitted through semen, pre-cum fluid, and vaginal fluids and can infectthe throat.
What Doesnt Cause Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is not spread through casual contact such as:
Can You Get Chlamydia in the Throat?
Oral chlamydiais less common than genital chlamydia and typically doesn’t produce symptoms.
It is possible to have soreness and redness in the throat or mouth with oral chlamydia.
Catching and treating the infection early helps lower this risk.
Screening protocols depend on several criteria, including age, sex, sexual activity, and other risk factors.
This prevents a delay in treatment.
confirm you carefully follow the instructions for the at-home test.
Antibiotics may be prescribed as a one-dose treatment or a seven-day treatment.
Your sexual partner(s) must also be tested and treated (if necessary) to prevent reinfection.
Can Chlamydia Go Away on Its Own?
Irreversible damage can occur if you wait to see if your body will fight off the infection.
Prompt treatment isthe best way to prevent complicationsthat can be serious and permanent.
When Can You Resume Sex After Having Chlamydia?
you could become reinfected with chlamydia even after successful treatment.
Measures such as using condoms and dental dams use must be used to prevent getting chlamydia again.
These can include:
Pregnant people should be screened for chlamydia at the first prenatal visit.
Treatments are available that are safe during pregnancy and can lower the risk of complications from the infection.
Oral doxycycline is taken once within 72 hours of condomless oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CDC estimates 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have a sexually transmitted infection.
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia.
2021;326(10):949. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.14081
MedlinePlus.Chlamydia test.
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona.STD awareness: will STDs go away on their own?
Office on Women’s Health.Chlamydia.
