Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.

In Canada, chlamydia is the most reported bacterial STI. It can live in the throat, urethra, rectum, eyes, cervix, or vagina.

It’s often called the “silent disease” because many people have no symptoms but still carry chlamydia. Research shows that more than half of people assigned male at birth and about 7 in 10 people assigned female at birth may experience no symptoms when they have chlamydia!

Using HIV prevention methods like PrEP has made condomless sex more common for some, which can increase the spread of STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Why Chlamydia Matters for HIV & Other STIs

• Having chlamydia may increase the risk of getting HIV, especially if there is inflammation or tissue damage from the infection.
  
• Because chlamydia often has no symptoms, people may spread it without knowing.
  
• Untreated chlamydia can sometimes lead to complications, like scarring or infertility.
  

Symptoms — What to Watch For

Many people won’t notice anything at all. But symptoms can show up in different ways depending on where the infection is:

• Urethra (people with a penis): discharge, burning when peeing, itching, pain, or swollen testicles
  
• Rectum: discharge, pain, or bleeding
  
• Throat: usually no symptoms, sometimes mild soreness
  
• Eyes: redness, pain, discharge if chlamydia reaches the eye
  
• Cervix / vagina: discharge, pain during sex, bleeding between periods, or burning when peeing
  

If you notice any of these—or just want peace of mind—testing is important.

Getting Tested — Don’t Rely on Urine Alone

Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have chlamydia. But here’s the issue:

Many primary care providers only order a urine test (or a genital swab). That test is useful, but it misses infections in the throat and rectum.

The GMSH fact sheet notes that testing should include urine and swabs from the throat and rectum if you’ve had oral or anal sex. Many infections would be missed if only urine or genital testing is done.

That means you can—and should—advocate for yourself. Ask:

• “Can you also swab my throat and rectum?”
  
• “Do you offer self-swabbing for these sites?”
  

Routine testing at all possible sites of exposure is the best way to stay healthy, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Treatment

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Your provider will decide which option fits best.

A follow-up test 3–6 months later may be recommended to check for reinfection. In some cases, a test-of-cure (sooner) is done to make sure the infection cleared, especially if symptoms continue.

Protecting yourself

• Use condoms for vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
  
• Some people use doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP)—taking doxycycline after condomless sex to reduce the chances of passing certain bacterial STIs, including chlamydia. But there are concerns about antibiotic resistance and long-term side effects.
  
• Talk openly with sexual partner(s) about STI testing and status.
  
• Regular testing helps—especially if you have new or multiple partners.
  

Sex, Stigma & Talking with Partners

Talking about STIs can feel hard because of stigma, but it doesn’t have to.

• Having an STI does not make you “dirty” or “bad.”
  
• You can choose when, how, and with whom to share your status.
  
• Conversations may feel trickier in some contexts (like group sex, darkrooms, or when substances are involved). Planning how and when to talk helps.
  

A sex-positive approach says: your health, your sexuality, and your pleasure are all valid. Managing infections is part of caring for yourself and your partners.

Chlamydia is common, often silent, but treatable. Because many infections are in the throat or rectum, urine tests alone aren’t enough—swabbing matters!

Testing, treatment, condoms, DoxyPEP and open conversations all make a difference. With the right tools and care, you can enjoy your sex life and protect yourself and others at the same time. Check out our Factsheet on Chlamydia to learn more.