Bacteria

Gonorrhoea • Chlamydia • Syphilis • Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) • Gut infections

Chlamydia

Description

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can infect the mucus lining of the dick, arse or eyes.

Transmission

Chlamydia is easily transmitted by anal sex, oral sex or arse play such as rimming or fingering. Touching an infected area and then touching your own dick or arse can pass on the infection.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms may appear between 7 and 21 days after infection but can be mild or in some cases absent. Symptoms can include a discharge from the penis, pain when urinating or pain during sex. If not treated, chlamydia may decrease fertility.

Testing

Chlamydia can be detected by a swab collected from the anus or by a urine sample. It is preferable not to piss for a minimum of one hour prior to having this test.

Treatment

Chlamydia is easily cured with antibiotics.

If You’re HIV Positive

If diagnosed early, chlamydia is easily treatable but if left untreated it can also increase the risk of HIV being passed-on.

Prevention

Using condoms is not completely safe for Chlamydia but provides the best protection. Washing your hands with soap and water immediately after sex can also help prevent transmission, especially if having sex with multiple partners.

This page last updated 23 July 2008