What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia, an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) in Quebec. You can contract it more than once in a lifetime.

Chlamydia can be transmitted through oral, anal, and vaginal sex, non-penetrative genital contact, and sharing sex toys. There is also a risk of transmission during childbirth.

In many cases, there are no symptoms at all. A person can therefore be infected without knowing it.

Possible symptoms

• Throat: inflammation of the throat (pharyngitis).

• Genitals: genital itching, abnormal genital discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during urination and sexual activity, rectal itching, burning, and discharge, and testicular pain and swelling.

Complications when left undetected and untreated

Persistent abdominal pain, pain and infection in the testicles or prostate, infertility in people with uteruses, and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Screening for chlamydia involves taking a urine sample or a sample from sites exposed during sexual activity (anus, vagina, or throat).

Treating chlamydia is easy—a course of antibiotics, which has a duration that varies depending on the site of infection—and RAMQ covers it for the infected person and their partners.