Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both men and women and is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Many people with chlamydia don't experience symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis, burning sensation during urination, pain during sex, or pain in the lower abdomen. In women, symptoms might include bleeding between periods or after sex.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

Chlamydia is diagnosed through laboratory tests that can be performed on urine samples or swab samples taken from the penis, cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat. These tests detect the presence of the bacteria that cause chlamydia.

How is chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, typically azithromycin or doxycycline. It's important to take all medication as prescribed, even if symptoms disappear. You should also avoid sexual contact until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment.

Can chlamydia be cured?

Yes, chlamydia can be cured with the right antibiotics. However, reinfection is possible if you are exposed to the bacteria again, even if you've been treated before.

What happens if chlamydia is not treated?

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious health problems. In women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy. In men, it can cause epididymitis, a painful condition of the ducts attached to the testicles that may lead to infertility if left untreated.

How can I prevent chlamydia?

You can reduce your risk of getting chlamydia by using condoms correctly every time you have sex, limiting your number of sex partners, and getting regular STI screenings if you are sexually active, especially if you have new or multiple partners.

Should my partner(s) get tested if I have chlamydia?

Yes, if you are diagnosed with chlamydia, all of your sexual partners from the past 60 days should be notified, tested, and treated to prevent reinfection and further spread of the disease.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Chlamydia Prevention: Effective Strategies

Evidence-based approaches to reduce your risk of chlamydia infection and protect your sexual health.

Medically reviewed by healthcare professionals

Last updated: April 2025

Understanding Chlamydia Prevention

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but it's also one of the most preventable. Effective prevention relies on a combination of safer sex practices, regular testing, communication with partners, and prompt treatment when necessary.

Key Prevention Points

Consistently use barrier methods (condoms/dental dams) during sexual activity
Get regular STI testing if you're sexually active
Limit the number of sexual partners
Communicate openly with partners about sexual health
Ensure complete treatment if you or a partner is diagnosed

Barrier Methods

Barrier methods create a physical barrier that helps prevent the exchange of bodily fluids and skin-to-skin contact that can transmit chlamydia.

Condoms

External (male) condoms, when used correctly and consistently, are highly effective at preventing the transmission of chlamydia during vaginal and anal sex.

For Maximum Protection:

Use a new condom for every sex act
Put the condom on before any genital contact
Ensure proper fit and application
Hold the condom at the base when withdrawing
Use only water-based or silicone-based lubricants with latex condoms

Internal Condoms

Internal (female) condoms provide an alternative barrier method that can be inserted into the vagina or anus before sexual contact.

Can be inserted up to 8 hours before sexual activity
Provides additional coverage of external genitalia
Can be used with oil-based lubricants
Offers an alternative for people with latex allergies

Dental Dams

For oral sex, dental dams can help prevent the transmission of STIs, including chlamydia.

Place over the vagina or anus during oral sex
Use a new dam for each act
Ensure the dam covers the entire area
Never reuse or flip over to the other side

Important to Know

While barrier methods significantly reduce the risk of chlamydia transmission, they don't eliminate it completely. Combine their use with regular testing for comprehensive prevention.

Testing and Early Treatment

Regular testing is a crucial component of chlamydia prevention, especially since many infections have no symptoms.

Recommended Testing Schedule:

Sexually active women under 25: Annual screening
Women 25+ with new or multiple partners: Annual screening
Men who have sex with men: At least annually, every 3-6 months if high risk
Anyone with a new partner: Before engaging in unprotected sex
After potential exposure: 1-2 weeks following unprotected sex or condom failure
After treatment: 3 months after treatment to check for reinfection

Testing Options

Chlamydia testing can be done through:

Healthcare providers (doctors, clinics)
Sexual health or family planning clinics
College health centers
Some pharmacies
Home testing kits (available in many areas)

Early Treatment

If you or your partner tests positive for chlamydia:

Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics
Abstain from sexual activity until treatment is complete (typically 7 days)
Ensure all recent partners are notified, tested, and treated
Get retested 3 months after treatment

Communication and Partner Management

Open communication with sexual partners is essential for preventing chlamydia transmission and reinfection.

Discussing Sexual Health:

Talk about sexual health history before becoming intimate
Discuss testing status and when you were last tested
Agree on what safer sex practices you'll use
Be honest about any symptoms or concerns

Partner Notification:

If you're diagnosed with chlamydia, it's important to notify all sexual partners from the past 60 days so they can get tested and treated.

Tips for Difficult Conversations

Choose a private, comfortable setting
Be direct and honest about your diagnosis
Emphasize that chlamydia is common and treatable
Focus on the health benefits of getting tested
If in-person is too difficult, consider phone calls, texts, or anonymous notification services provided by some health departments

Lifestyle Strategies

In addition to barrier methods and testing, certain lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk of chlamydia and other STIs.

Risk Reduction Strategies:

Limiting sexual partners: Having fewer partners reduces your exposure risk
Mutual monogamy: Being in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative
Avoiding alcohol and drug use before sex: These can impair judgment and make you less likely to use protection
Considering alternatives to penetrative sex: Activities that don't involve the exchange of bodily fluids carry lower risk

PrEP and Chlamydia

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV does not protect against chlamydia or other STIs. If you're on PrEP, you should still:

Use condoms consistently
Get tested for STIs regularly (typically every 3 months)
Communicate with partners about sexual health

Special Considerations

During Pregnancy

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant:

Get tested for chlamydia at your first prenatal visit
Get retested in the third trimester if you're under 25 or at increased risk
Ensure partners are tested and treated to prevent reinfection
Use condoms consistently if you or your partner has other sexual partners

For Young Adults and Teens

Young adults and teens should be aware that:

They have the highest rates of chlamydia infection
Confidential testing services are available in most areas
Many clinics offer free or low-cost testing
Comprehensive sexual education resources are available online and through healthcare providers

After Treatment

After completing treatment for chlamydia:

Wait 7 days after completing treatment before resuming sexual activity
Ensure all partners have been treated
Consider using condoms consistently going forward
Get retested 3 months after treatment to check for reinfection

Learn More About Chlamydia

Symptoms

Recognize the signs and symptoms of chlamydia infection.

Treatment

Learn about effective treatment options and what to expect.

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about chlamydia.

View FAQs

Sources & References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021.

2. World Health Organization. (2022). Prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

3. American Sexual Health Association. (2022). Chlamydia Prevention.

4. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2021). Screening for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Recommendation Statement.

5. Mayo Clinic. (2022). Sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention.