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Communicable Diseases Agency

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

Last updated on 7 November 2025

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can occur in both men and women. It is easily treated and cured with antibiotics.

How is chlamydia transmitted?

Chlamydia can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Common scenarios include:

  • Sharing sex toys that are not washed or covered with a new condom each time they are used

  • Your genitals touching your partner's

  • Infected semen or vaginal fluid getting into your eye

Pregnant women can also transmit chlamydia to their babies.

Chlamydia cannot be spread through casual contact, such as kissing and hugging, or from sharing bathtubs, towels, swimming pools, toilet seats, or cutlery.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Symptoms of early infection often go unnoticed. When they occur, they are usually mild and appear one to three weeks after exposure.

For men

  • Discharge from the penis

  • Pain or discomfort in the testicles

For women

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge

  • Bleeding between menstrual periods or after sex

  • Pelvic pain

For men and women

  • Anal pain

  • Discharge

  • Bleeding

  • Burning sensation when urinating

Complications from chlamydia include:

  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), resulting in chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and pregnancy outside the uterus due to permanent scarring of the fallopian tubes

  • Conjunctivitis, if the eyes become contaminated with infectious secretions

  • Fever, scrotal pain, swelling, and sterility in men

  • Reactive arthritis in very rare cases

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors include:

  • Unprotected sex with an infected person

  • Having multiple sexual partners

  • Inconsistent condom use

  • Exchanging sex for money or drugs

  • History or current presence of other STIs

How to treat chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.

The infection usually resolves within one to two weeks. Visit your doctor to test for chlamydia if you are unsure of your partner’s STI status or you have a new sexual partner.

How to prevent chlamydia?

Ways to prevent chlamydia include:

  • Using condoms correctly and consistently

  • Limiting the number of sexual partners

  • Getting tested for STIs regularly