Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria (chlamydia trachomatis) that can infect both men and women. It can cause serious and irreversible damage to the female reproductive system if left untreated and it may become hard for her to get pregnant. Chlamydia also puts you at risk for ectopic pregnancies (a pregnancy which develops outside the uterus).
Chlamydia is spread by vaginal, anal or oral sex and you can get it from someone who has it. It is carried in semen and vaginal fluids. Chlamydia can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, throat and eyes. You can still get it even if your partner did not ejaculate and even if you have had it before and were treated for it if you have unprotected sex with someone who has chlamydia. In childbirth, chlamydia can be passed to the baby.
The only way to be 100% protected from any STD is abstinence, however if you are sexually active consider:
- Using latex condoms and dental dams the correct way every time you have sex;
- Being in a monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and shows no positive STD results.
Chlamydia is not spread through casual contact so you cannot get it from kissing, hugging, sharing drinks or foods, sneezing, sitting on a toilet or coughing.