Chlamydia

This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about chlamydia.

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Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium. It is the most common STI in the United States and in Boston.

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The basics

How can a person get chlamydia?

Chlamydia spreads when someone has vaginal or anal sex with an infected individual. Chlamydia can also pass from mother to child during birth. It passes through vaginal fluids and semen.

Who can get chlamydia?

Anyone who is sexually active can get chlamydia. Having unprotected sex increases the chance of getting chlamydia. In Boston, women under 25 years of age have the highest rates of chlamydia.

Symptoms

Most people do NOT have symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may start about 1-3 weeks after infection. For those who do have symptoms, the most common ones are:

For Women:

Unusual discharge (yellowish or whitish fluid) from the vagina
Pain and/or burning when urinating or during sex
Pain in the stomach or back
Bleeding even when it’s not during a period
In more serious infections, fever
Symptoms from anal sex may cause pain, discharge or bleeding from the rectum (bum)

For Men:

Unusual discharge (thick white or watery fluid) coming from the penis
Pain and/or burning when urinating
Less common symptoms include:
- Heavy feeling and/or pain in the testicles
- Pain, swelling or redness around the scrotum
- Symptoms from anal sex may cause pain, discharge or bleeding from the rectum (bum)

How long can an infected person spread chlamydia?

A person can spread chlamydia to others from the time they become infected until they are treated. A person can spread chlamydia to others even if they do not have symptoms. If you are taking medicine, do not have sex for 7 days after you finish taking the pill(s). It is important to know that you can get infected with chlamydia many times.

Testing

How can I find out if I have chlamydia?

The only way to know for sure if you have chlamydia is to get tested. A health care provider may ask for a urine (pee) sample or may wipe the infected area with a swab to test for chlamydia. Some people who have chlamydia may also have gonorrhea. A health care provider may test you for both at the same time.

How often should I get tested?

We recommend yearly testing for all sexually active men and women under 25. Other times to get tested more include:

Every time you have a new partner
For people of any age at high risk, including:
- Those who have had unprotected sex, sex with multiple partners, or sex with a new partner
- All women during pregnancy
- 3 months after treatment for a Sexually Transmitted Infection

Where Can I Get Tested?

FREE and CONFIDENTIAL chlamydia testing is available in clinics throughout Boston. For information on locations, visit www.helpsteps.com. If you don't have health insurance or don't want to use your health insurance, you can still get tested! Please call ahead to confirm the schedule.

To find a place to get tested near you, visit www.helpsteps.com or call the Mayor’s Health Line (MHL) at 617-534-5050 and toll-free: 1-800-847-0710.

If you are a Boston Public High School student, your school may have a School-Based Health Center or Health Resource.

Treatment

Can you treat chlamydia?

Yes, chlamydia is easily treated. A single dose of antibiotics can cure chlamydia. See your health care provider again if you still have symptoms after taking your medicine. Alternative medicines are available if you are allergic to the medicine usually prescribed.

Should my partner get treated?

Yes. Recent (within the last 60 days) or regular sex partners must get treatment before having sex again. It is best to get treatment at the same time. Massachusetts regulations allow partners of patients with chlamydia to get treatment without testing. Ask your health care provider during your visit and read about Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT). If your partner is not treated, you can be re-infected.

Expedited Partner Therapy

In 2011, the Massachusetts Legislature and Massachusetts Public Health Council passed a policy allowing qualified health care providers to prescribe medication for chlamydia treatment for heterosexual partners of infected individuals. Partners do not need a physician to see them for treatment. This legislation passed on July 1st, 2011 under code 128 of the Massachusetts Public Health Law. It is currently effective.

EPT Fact Sheet for Providers:

CDC EPT Effectiveness

CDC Review and Guidance

Rules and Regulations Regarding EPT:

Massachusetts Law

CDC Legal Brief for Massachusetts

Related Health Problems:

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause very serious health problems. Women can develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can cause infertility. Chlamydia can also increase your chances of getting other STIs, such as HIV or gonorrhea.

To find out more about the health consequences of not getting treated click here.