Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections. It often causes no symptoms, but if left untreated it can lead to serious reproductive complications, including infertility.

• Many infections, especially in women, cause no symptoms
• In women: abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during urination, and bleeding between periods or after sex
• In men: discharge from the penis and pain during urination
• If untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women, with risk of long-term pelvic pain and infertility

• Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• Can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.
• Risk is increased by multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use.

• Often diagnosed through laboratory testing of a urine sample or genital swab where available.
• In many settings, treated presumptively as part of syndromic management alongside gonorrhoea, since the two infections often coexist and cause similar symptoms.

A course of oral antibiotics — commonly doxycycline for a week, or a single dose of azithromycin as an alternative — is highly effective in treating chlamydia.

Sexual partners should be tested and treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.

Patients are advised to abstain from sexual activity until treatment is completed and symptoms, if present, have resolved.

Because chlamydia often causes no symptoms, regular screening is recommended for sexually active people at higher risk, so infection can be identified and treated before complications develop.

• Consistent and correct condom use.
• Regular STI screening for sexually active individuals, particularly with new or multiple partners.
• Ensure sexual partners are tested and treated together.
• Pregnant women should be screened, as untreated infection can affect the newborn during delivery.