Written on December 13, 2022 by Gillian (Gigi) Singer, MPH, Sexuality Educator & Certified Sexologist. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.
Table of contents
- Risk factors
- Symptoms
- When to seek care
- Consequences of undiagnosed and untreated chlamydia
- Prevention
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Getting care through Everlywell
- Related content
Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that can occur in the mouth, reproductive organs, rectum, urethra, and/or cervix [1]. You may also have heard it referred to colloquially as “the clap” or “the clam.”
Chlamydia is transmitted via:
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex [1]
- Using a sex toy that has previously been used by someone with chlamydia
- A pregnant person to their baby during childbirth
Chlamydia is not transmitted via kissing, hugging, sharing food or drinks, or from toilet seats—despite the rumors saying otherwise.
Risk factors
You are at a higher risk of contracting chlamydia if you [1, 2]:
- Are 25 years of age or younger
- Engage in sex work
- Were assigned female at birth
- Have multiple sex partners
- Don’t consistently practice safer sex
Symptoms
Symptoms for both vulva-owners and penis-owners include abnormal discharge and/or a burning sensation while peeing. Penis-owners can also experience swelling in one or both testicles [2].
Other symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Burning or itching on the head of the penis
- Vaginal bleeding after sex or between periods (aka breakthrough bleeding)
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic pain
When to seek care
Chlamydia is often asymptomatic—meaning symptoms might not appear at all [3]. So, how do you know when to get tested? It is recommended that while you are sexually active (whether or not you are having penetrative sex) that you get tested at least annually, although, if you have sexual contact with someone whose STI status you don’t know, you should be tested more often. If you are at a higher risk of contracting chlamydia (as outlined above), you should be tested more frequently—perhaps every three months or six months.
Consequences of undiagnosed and untreated chlamydia
Pregnant people should be particularly proactive about testing for chlamydia because, during pregnancy, this infection has been associated with adverse birth outcomes [3].
If untreated, chlamydia can lead to:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Testicular infections [2]
- Increased risk of contracting HIV
For vulva-owners, PID causes scar tissue to form in the fallopian tubes, which ultimately can cause ectopic pregnancy and pain [2].
No matter what anatomy you have, if you are not diagnosed and treated for chlamydia, the infection will spread to your partner(s).
Prevention
The best ways to protect yourself from contracting any STI are to practice safer sex methods and get regularly tested according to your risk level and your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Safer sex practices include [1, 2]:
- Barrier methods (ie, internal and external condoms, dental dams, plastic gloves/finger sleeves)
- Disclosing your STI status with any partner(s) and asking your partner(s) as well
- Getting tested frequently
Diagnosis and treatment
Chlamydia is diagnosed through laboratory testing with either a swab or a urine sample [3]. Chlamydia, when treated, is curable and will go away after taking antibiotics as directed by your healthcare provider. You must complete the entire course of antibiotics as instructed.
Getting care through Everlywell
In addition to at-home testing, Everlywell now offers telehealth visits so you can also receive care in the comfort of your own home.
Testing
Everlywell’s Female STD Test, Male STD Test, and Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Test are all tested in CLIA-certified laboratories, so you never even have to leave your home to get reliable chlamydia testing.
If your test results come back abnormal, you will be connected to our national independent physician network to receive the appropriate treatment.
Telehealth visits
Everlywell’s fast and easy telehealth visits are conducted using technology that protects your privacy. Depending on your insurance, you pay between $10 and $60. Many major insurance plans are accepted.
With telehealth from Everlywell, you are just three simple steps away from relief:
- Create your profile online, fill out your medical history, and check to see if your insurance is accepted.
- Schedule your online visit.
- Receive a care plan to address your needs and symptoms, which may include testing, prescriptions, and lifestyle recommendations.
Apart from chlamydia, you can also receive consultations for:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Weight changes
- Stomach pain
- Burning with urination
- Rash/hives
- Changes in hair, skin, nails
- Problems sleeping
- Cold and flu
- COVID-19
- UTIs
- Other STIs
- Minor skin issues
Related content
Lose weight without surgery: what you need to know
Weight management programs online: key points to know
Can an obese person lose weight without surgery?
Treating urinary tract infections via telehealth
References
- FAQs: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Updated 2021. Accessed November 2, 2022. URL
- Chlamydia. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated April 12, 2022. Accessed November 1, 2022. URL
- Keegan MB, Diedrich JT, Peipert JF. Chlamydia trachomatis Infection: Screening and Management. J Clin Outcomes Manag. 2014;21(1):30-38. URL
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