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Safe Sex - 3 min read

Chlamydia: How To Spot & Prevent This Common STI

Sex can be fun. Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections? Not so much.

Chlamydia: What It Is And What You Can Do About It

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) among sexually active teens, so it’s something you should be aware of if you are having sex. Although it’s more common in women than men, anyone can get it. Chlamydia can affect the cervix and urethra, and sometimes the rectum, eyes and throat. Safe sex can help prevent the spread of chlamydia and it can be cured with the right medical treatment.

How can you prevent it?

Safe sex can lead to great sex! Using condoms correctly and consistently every time can help prevent the spread of chlamydia, and it is safest to have sex with someone who has been tested for STBBIs and has negative results.

How does it affect you?

Most people who have chlamydia have no symptoms, or they can appear weeks after transmission. If left untreated, it can lead to very serious health problems – it can affect your ability to have children and cause long-term pain. Here are some things to look for:

Female and male:

Pain or burning when urinating

Anus:

Rectal pain
Bleeding
Mucus discharge

Eyes:

Redness
Itching
Discharge

Throat:

Sore throat
Cough or fever
Swollen lymph nodes

Female:

Vaginal bleeding or discharge
Abdominal or lower back pain
Pain during sex

Male:

Itchy penis
Clear or milky discharge from penis
Pain or swelling in one or both testicles

How is chlamydia spread?

Chlamydia can be spread through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex – even if there is no penetration or ejaculation. Have you been diagnosed before? Be aware you can get it more than once.