Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Denmark.

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. The bacterium is spread through contact between mucous membranes and can cause inflammation of the urethra, cervix, throat, and rectum.

What are the symptoms?

Not everyone infected with chlamydia develops symptoms. For those who do, symptoms usually appear 1 to 3 weeks after infection.

Even if you do not have symptoms, you can still transmit the infection to others.

Symptoms of chlamydia may include:

• Discharge and burning from the urethra
• Burning sensation during urination
• Discharge from the cervix
• Rectal discharge
• Pain and/or irritation of the throat, pelvis, penis, and/or rectum
• Spotting or bleeding during sexual intercourse
• If infected secretions come into contact with the eyes, chlamydia can cause conjunctivitis
• In rare cases, chlamydia can cause sore and swollen joints

Complications of chlamydia

In rare cases, the chlamydia bacterium can spread from the cervix through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes, or from the urethra to the epididymis. Untreated chlamydia can therefore cause inflammation of the pelvic organs or one epididymis.

These inflammatory conditions can reduce fertility, particularly in cases involving inflammation of the pelvic organs and ovaries.

Pregnant women and newborns

If chlamydia in the cervix and urethra is untreated during pregnancy, the baby may become infected during delivery. The newborn can develop chlamydia in the eyes, which, if untreated, can permanently damage the eyesight.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

It can take up to 3 weeks from the time of infection before chlamydia can be reliably detected by testing.

Chlamydia is diagnosed using swabs from the throat, urethra, cervix, and/or rectum. In some cases, a urine sample may also be used.

How is the treatment administered?

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotic tablets. You can contact the Clinic for Sexually Transmitted Diseases to obtain a prescription if you have tested positive in connection with a clinic visit.

Possible side effects of treatment

Gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. In rare cases, allergic reactions such as skin rash or hives may develop.

When will you no longer be contagious?

You must completely avoid sexual contact for 7 days after completing treatment, as transmission can still occur during this period.

We do not recommend routine follow-up testing after treatment for chlamydia.

Your sexual partners from the past 6 months should be tested for chlamydia, even if they do not have symptoms.