Onondaga County

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) that can affect sexually active individuals. Chlamydia is often asymptomatic meaning individuals do not have any signs or symptoms.

Individuals can get chlamydia by having anal, oral, or vaginal (front hole) sex or sharing sex toys with someone who already has chlamydia. Always using sexual health supplies like condoms, lubricant and oral dams is the best way to protect from STI’s.

When left untreated Chlamydia can cause serious and permanent damage to individuals sexual health. For female’s damage could lead to fertility concerns making it difficult or impossible for a female to become pregnant.

 

 

What are the signs or symptoms of chlamydia?

Some individuals who have chlamydia do not know because they are asymptomatic, not experiencing any signs or symptoms.

If an individual has signs or symptoms they might include:

• unusual vaginal (front hole) discharge that is yellow and has a bad odor
• a burning feeling when peeing and/or peeing a lot more frequently than usual (urge to pee more often)
• bleeding between menstrual cycle (period) and/or heavier bleeding than usual
• painful sex or bleeding after having had sex
• pain in the lower part of the stomach (sometimes with nausea and fever)
• swelling in the skin inside the vagina and/or around the anus

How does someone know if they have chlamydia?

The only way is to get tested. When individuals come into the Sexual Wellness Center, they will be asked to urinate (pee) in a cup. A nurse will also take a swab sample from the vagina, penis, throat, or anus (or individuals can self-swab). Results from the urine and swab samples are available in 3-5 days. Individuals should not have sex until they know the test result.

 

How is chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotic pills that can be picked up at individual’s local pharmacy. Individuals should follow the medication directions on the pill container, if followed correctly the Chlamydia infection will be cured!

If individuals test positive, the Sexual Wellness Center can provide Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) which allows us to provide additional prescriptions for any sexual partner(s). Additionally the Onondaga County Health Department Partner Services team will work with individuals to have any partner(s) notified so they can be tested and treated as well.

Always using protection (condoms, lubricant and oral dams) when having sex reduces risk of getting chlamydia or other STI’s again.

Does chlamydia impact pregnant people and their baby?

If individuals are pregnant and have chlamydia, they can pass chlamydia to their baby during birth. This may cause the baby to get an eye infection and/or pneumonia. Also, some females who have chlamydia while pregnant end up having the baby too early (which is called a premature birth). Individuals that are pregnant, should be tested for chlamydia at every prenatal appointment to help protect the baby.

To learn more about chlamydia, visit https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chlamydia