Treatment of chlamydia

If detected early, chlamydia can be

treated with a single dose of antibiotics.
If complication from chlamydia are
present a longer course of antibiotics
will be needed. If it is found that you
have chlamydia it is very important to
inform your sexual partner/s so that
they can be tested and treated if
necessary. If you are not sure that your
partner will seek treatment you can ask
your doctor for a second dose for your
partner.

Prevention of chlamydia
Safe sex practices reduce the risk of STI
transmission. Using condoms and dams
during vaginal and anal sex creates a
protective barrier from getting
chlamydia, as well as other STIs.

Where to get help?

Your doctor

Your school nurse or school welfare

coordinator

Youth worker, welfare worker or social worker

Your local community health centre

The Action Centre (for young people less

than 25 years) Tel. 1800 013 952 or (03) 9660
4700

Family Planning NSW Tel. 1800 013 952 or

(03) 9257 0100

Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03)

9341 6200 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the
hearing impaired) (03) 9347 8619

NSW AIDS Council/Gay Mens Health Centre

Tel. (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840

Sexually
Transmitted
Infections:
Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by a
bacteria and is a very common
STI. It is often called the silent
infection because most people
do not realise they have it.

Who does it aect?

How do you get it?

How do I know if I have Chlamydia?

Chlamydia can aect

women and men of all
ages, but most
frequently occurs in
people who are under
25 years of age.

Chlamydia is spread by
unprotected vaginal or
anal sex with an
infected person.

Since there are not usually any signs or

symptoms, there are many STI tests that can be
taken by taking a tube of your urine. Most tests
are inexpensive and can be taken at home. They
can be bought at chemists for all dierent types of
Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Statistics
Chlamydia is the most common reported STI
among young people in Australia. In 2012,
82,707 new cases were reported. This
amounts to about 355 cases per every
100,000 people. Even higher rates were
recorded in remote areas. 81% of reported
cases are 15-24 year olds. Research also
suggests that 50% of men and 70-80% of
women dont get symptoms with chlamydia.

Chlamydia in Women

Chlamydia in Men

Most women who are infected have no signs of

symptoms of chlamydia. It can infect the neck of
the uterus and spread to the fallopian tubes,
causing pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic
pelvic pain, pregnancy in the fallopian tubes and
infertility. If a mother has chlamydia, it can be
passed on to a baby during birth, causing lung or
eye infections. If symptoms are present they
include, an unusual vaginal discharge, a burning
feeling when urinating, pain during sex and/or
lower abdominal pain.

Men usually also do not have any

symptoms or signs. In men, chlamydia
infects the usher and may spread to the
epididymis causing pain. If symptoms
are present in men they may include, a
discharge from the penis, discomfort
when urinating, swollen and sore testes.