Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmissible infection (STI). In Western Australia young people under 25 have the highest rates of chlamydia.
Because chlamydia does not often have symptoms, the best way you know you have chlamydia is having an STI test.
If left untreated, chlamydia can make you infertile and cause damage to other parts of the body like your joints or eyes.
Symptoms
Most people don't have any symptoms.
People with a vagina may notice:
- A burning sensation when passing urine,
- an unusual vaginal discharge
- pain in the lower belly.
People with a penis may notice:
- A burning sensation when passing urine
- whitish or yellow discharge from their penis,
- irritation or soreness around the urethra (opening of the penis).
Risk factors
Chlamydia is passed on through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia. Unprotected sex is sex without a condom.
Treatment
Treatment is a simple course of antibiotics. You should not have sex (even with a condom) until you finish all the antibiotics.
Your doctor will ask about your sex partners because they could also have chlamydia and it is important they get tested and treated too.
The doctor can help you tell your sexual partner/s.
Prevention
- Always use condoms or dams with water-based lubricant.
- Before you have sex, talk with your partner about the importance of safer sex and sexual health.
- Get regular STI tests. Use our free online test to see if you qualify for a chlamydia or gonorrhoea test.
- To find a sexual health service near you for STI testing use our Find a Service feature.
