High cases of chlamydia: protect yourself and get tested

Chlamydia, or chlamydiosis, is a sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) that can have serious health consequences if left undetected and untreated.

It is the most common STBBI in Canada¹. It mainly affects sexually active youth and young adults, and has a high incidence rate among women aged 15-24. With an increase in reported cases in recent years, it’s crucial to protect yourself and get tested regularly.

In this article, find out the basics about chlamydia, prevention, screening and treatment.

• Symptoms
• Transmission and protection
• Screening
• Treatment
• Consultation

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both men and women, affecting the genitals, rectum, throat and eyes. Chlamydia is often equated with gonorrhea, as the symptoms are similar and can coexist in the same person.

Common symptoms

Most people infected with chlamydia have no symptoms², which can make diagnosis difficult without screening. However, some symptoms may include:

• Burning or tingling sensation during urination
• Abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding between periods or after intercourse in women
• Lower abdominal pain in women
• Testicular pain in men

When the infection is in the throat, patients may experience irritation, coughing, fever and swollen lymph nodes. If it affects the eyes, redness, itching and discharge may occur.

Symptoms may appear 2 to 3 weeks after exposure to the bacteria. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause chronic pain, infertility or eye damage.

How is chlamydia transmitted?

Sexual transmission

Chlamydia is transmitted mainly through unprotected sexual intercourse. This includes vaginal, anal and oral penetration. However, people can contract chlamydia through contact with the infected secretions of their sexual partners, without any penetration or ejaculation having taken place. The use of condoms and dental dams can considerably reduce the risk of chlamydia transmission.

Non-sexual transmission

Although rare, it is possible to transmit chlamydia without direct sexual relations. For example, the bacteria can be spread by touching infected genitalia and then touching your own eyes, causing chlamydial conjunctivitis. It’s also important to take precautions when using sex toys, by cleaning them properly or using condoms for each partner. An infected woman can also transmit the bacteria to her child during childbirth.

How do I know if I have chlamydia?

The only way to know for sure if you have chlamydia is to have a screening test. Tests for chlamydia must be carried out by a healthcare professional, and are generally very quick and painless. There are several screening methods:

• Urine sample analysis: This is the most common screening test, and can be performed very quickly in most laboratories.
• Take a sample of secretions from the urethra, cervix, rectum or throat.

Regular screening is recommended if you have multiple sexual partners or engage in unprotected sex. Screening can detect both chlamydia and gonorrhea. It’s crucial to get tested for both infections, as their simultaneous presence can increase the risk of serious complications and require specific treatments for each.

Will chlamydia go away on its own?

Chlamydia does not disappear on its own. Left untreated, the infection can persist and cause serious complications. Fortunately, chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics. It’s important to follow the treatment prescribed by your doctor, and to abstain from sexual relations until you’ve completed the treatment.

If you are a carrier of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria, it is essential to inform all your sexual partners and wait until they have been tested with a negative result or have completed their treatment before resuming sexual relations.

Where to get tested for chlamydia?

With cases of chlamydia on the rise, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect yourself and get tested regularly. If you have multiple sexual partners, engage in unprotected sex, or experience symptoms of chlamydia, consult a healthcare professional for a screening test.

Book an appointment

Our Montreal-area clinics offer private screening services for many STIs, with or without symptoms. Tests are rapid and confidential. Services are not covered by the RAMQ, but are covered by most private insurance programs.

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Location (With Symptoms) *Preferred locationCréa-MeD (Private Clinic) — Downtown MontrealELNA Medical — Old MontrealELNA Private Care — Décarie SquareELNA Private Care — Uni-Med

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