Myths and facts about chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) that is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.

Myth: Chlamydia only affects females

Fact: Anyone can get chlamydia if they have sex with an infected person without a condom.

Myth: You can catch chlamydia from a toilet seat

Fact: The bacterium that causes chlamydia does not live outside of the human body, so you can only be infected by having sex with an infected person without a condom.

Myth: Oral contraception can protect against chlamydia

Fact: Oral contraception (such as the pill) is effective in preventing pregnancy.

Male and female condoms are the only methods of contraception that will help protect you from getting and passing on chlamydia and other STIs.

Myth: You cant get chlamydia through oral or anal sex

Fact: Chlamydia is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected person and not using a condom.

Myth: Chlamydia infections cannot be prevented

Fact: Safer sex practices reduce the risk of STIs – including chlamydia. Using male or female condoms during vaginal and anal sex creates a protective barrier from these infections.

Myth: You can tell if you have chlamydia

Fact: Chlamydia is known as a ‘silent’ infection, because there may be no signs or symptoms, and it does not make you feel unwell.

Myth: Chlamydia infections can go away on their own

Fact: Without antibiotic treatment, chlamydia may continue to affect you and can lead to infertility in both men and women.

Myth: Getting tested for chlamydia is not easy

Fact: There are two simple pathology tests for chlamydia:

• Urine test (also called a urinalysis) – you urinate (pee) into a cup and your urine is then tested for chlamydia.
• Swab test – a fluid sample is taken with a cotton swab from an infected site (vagina, cervix, rectum, or throat) and then tested.

Myth: Chlamydia is difficult to treat

Fact: Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, permanent damage can occur such as scarring of your reproductive organs, which can affect your fertility.

Myth: I can only get chlamydia once

Fact: Even if you have been treated in the past for chlamydia, you can get a new chlamydia infection if you have sex with an infected person without using a condom.