Chlamydia: The hidden infection you might not notice

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world.

It’s caused by a type of bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis and can affect both men and women. While it’s treatable and curable, chlamydia is often called a “silent infection” because many people don’t know they have it. Without treatment, it can lead to serious health problems, including infertility.

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI, with about 1.5 million reported cases each year, and the actual number is likely much higher. Because most people never develop symptoms, many infections go unreported and untreated.

Chlamydia spreads through sexual contact. You can get it from:

• Vaginal intercourse

• Anal sex

• Oral sex

• Sharing sex toys with someone who has the infection

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Pregnant women with chlamydia can pass it to their newborns during childbirth.

According to Dr. Oluwadunsin Oluwaseyitan Adesopo, a medical doctor, sexual health advocate, and family planning coach, the answer is a resounding Yes!

She emphasised the need to reduce risk by: knowing your partner well, always using condoms, and undergoing routine STI screening, especially for multi-gender individuals, since chlamydia and other infections can be silent.

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But you cannot get chlamydia from:

• Kissing

• Hugging or holding hands

• Sharing food or drinks

• Using a public toilet

• Coughs or sneezes

Chlamydia doesn’t always cause symptoms. In fact, 50–70% of infected people may not notice anything at all. When symptoms do appear, they usually show up between 1 week and 3 months after exposure.

Dr. Adesopo says Chlamydia bacteria often cause symptoms that are similar to cervicitis or a urinary tract infection (UTI), so females may notice:

• Unusual vaginal discharge (white, yellow, or grey) that may smell

• Pain or burning when urinating

• Bleeding between periods

• Painful periods or sex

• Lower abdominal pain

• Vaginal itching or burning

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Chlamydia bacteria most often infect the urethra. Males may notice:

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• Clear or mucus-like discharge from the penis

• Pain or burning when urinating

• Testicular pain (less common)

• Anus: pain, bleeding, or discharge

• Throat: sore throat (rarely noticeable)

• Eyes: conjunctivitis (redness, pain, discharge if bacteria enter the eye)

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina

• Pain or bleeding during sex

• Pain, discharge, or bleeding from the anus

If you notice any of these, see a healthcare provider immediately. According to Dr. Adesopo, treatment options include:

• Avoid sex until your doctor confirms the infection is cleared.

• Get tested for other STIs: It’s common to have more than one infection at a time.

• Vaginal/penile swab for microscopy, culture and sensitivity (MCS) - This is done to assess the bacteria’s resistance or sensitivity, helping doctors choose the best antibiotic.

• Notify partners: Anyone you’ve had sex with in the past 3 months should be tested and treated.

• Antibiotics

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If left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious complications, including:

• In women: pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancy

• In men: infection of the testicles (epididymitis), possible infertility

• In newborns: pneumonia or severe eye infections if the mother is infected during childbirth

Chlamydia is common, often silent, but easily treatable. Regular testing, especially if you have new or multiple partners, protects both you and your partners. Stay safe, get screened and use protection.

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Yes, chlamydia can be transmitted through oral sex. Although, not so common but it can.

Kissing isn't really a risk factor for getting chlamydia. NO, it isn’t possible

Yes, one can get chlamydia without having penetrative sex, like sharing sex toys with an infected person, hence the reason why we advise people to use a condom while sharing sex toys.

As it’s categorised as a sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted sexually, and this covers vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, and sharing of sex toys.

Yes, men can get chlamydia and their symptoms include: Mucus-like or clear, watery discharge from your penis (can be blood-stained sometimes) and a burning sensation when you pee (dysuria).

In females, symptoms are smelly white, yellow or grey discharge, pus in your urine (pyuria), pain or a burning sensation when you pee (dysuria), painful periods, painful intercourse (dyspareunia), itching around your vagina, and dull pain in the lower part of your abdomen.