Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed STI in Australia, with people aged between, 15-29 being the most likely diagnosed with it, accounting for almost 70% of all infections.
Chlamydia can easily be treated with antibiotics, though they can take some time to work so it is important to refrain from sex for at least a week before having unprotected sex.
How do you get Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis. It’s spread through unprotected sex, including vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Transmission can also occur during vaginal childbirth and cause infection in newborns; another reason antenatal tests are important during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?
75% of chlamydia infections don’t display any noticeable symptoms. Many people who have an infection don’t realise it and thus can pass it on to others.
Symptoms, if they do happen, begin to show within 2-14 days after exposure.
The most common symptoms include:
- Burning or painful urination
- Discharge from the penis that can be yellow, white or green
- Abnormal or increased vaginal discharge
- Lower abdominal pain or cramping
- Vaginal bleeding between periods
- Swollen and painful testicles
- Pain during or after sex
- Bleeding during or after sex
It’s super important to get regularly tested if you are sexually active since most of the time chlamydia shows no symptoms.
For people with vaginas chlamydia symptoms can easily be mistaken for a UTI or bladder infection. If left untreated, chlamydia infection can lead to serious and long-term complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can cause infertility.
Information about Chlamydia
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacteria that can easily be treated with antibiotics. They can take some time to work so it’s important to wait at least a week before having unprotected sex.
You don’t build immunity to chlamydia after you have caught it, so you can still be infected if you come into contact with chlamydia again.
The best way to protect yourself and your sexual partners from chlamydia is by using barrier methods like condoms and dental dams. While it’s easy to test for and treat, If you think you may be at risk of being exposed to chlamydia, contact us or another health service to organise a comprehensive STI check.
How often should I get tested?
We recommend testing for chlamydia every 3-6 months – depending on your level of sexual activity – or when you have a new partner.
Over a thousand people each month test positive for chlamydia in WA. Of those, males make up approximately 45% and females about 55%. It’s more common in younger people.
If you do happen to test positive, it’s important that you inform anyone that you may have passed the infection on to so that they can get tested. This can even be done anonymously through the Let Them Know service.
How can I prevent catching Chlamydia?
The best way to protect yourself and your sexual partners from chlamydia is by using barrier methods like condoms and dental dams.
While it’s easy to test for and treat chlamydia, if you think you may be at risk of being exposed to it, contact us or another health service to organise a comprehensive STI check.
You are welcome at M Clinic
M Clinic provides confidential, judgement-free services for men who have sex with men, gay, trans, gender-queer, and non-binary people of the LGBTQIA+ community.
If you are unsure if we are the right clinic for you, get in touch and we will be able to help you find the right fit for your needs.
Trans and Non-binary
We offer services for trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse persons seeking to get medical advice in a safe and accepting environment.
Men Who Have Sex With Men
If you’re a man and have sex with other men, M Clinic provides a safe space where you can get tested without judgement or questions.
Gay and Questioning
If you identify as gay, bi, or questioning and want a clinic that reflects you, you are always welcome to come to M Clinic for your next checkup.