Chlamydia

What Is Chlamydia? {cla/MID/ee/a}

• Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria.
• It is one of the most common STIs found in sexually active teens and young adults.

How Do You Get Chlamydia?

• Having unprotected vaginal or anal sex with a person who has chlamydia.

How Do I Know If I Have Chlamydia? 

• Most people who have chlamydia have no symptoms. 
• Symptoms usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.

How Do I Get Tested? 

• Ask your doctor or clinic for a chlamydia urine test. Sometimes a swab is taken from females. 
• A pap test does not test for STIs.

How Do You Treat Chlamydia? 

• Chlamydia can be cured with the right antibiotic. 
• Tell your sexual partner(s) so that they can be treated. 
• Avoid having sexual contact for 7 days. 
• If you are going to be re-tested, avoid sexual contact until you know the results of the second test. 

What If I Don’t Treat The Infection? 

• Women can develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
• PID is a painful lower abdominal infection that can lead to sterility. 
• Mothers can pass chlamydia to their babies during childbirth. 
• Men can get serious infections in the prostate gland and testicles.
  

How Can I Prevent The Spread Of Chlamydia? 

• Abstinence (not having sex) may be your best choice.
• Practice “Safer Sex”. Always use condoms! 
• If you think you have been infected with an STI, get checked out. 
• Limit the number of sexual partners you have. 
• Ask your partner about his/her sexual history. 
• Avoid having sex with an infected person. 
• Tell your partner if you have an infection. 
• Get education, guidance and support.

For More information call or e-mail the Sexual Health Program:
Ph: 578-2513
E-mail: sexualhealthprogram@brandonrha.mb.ca  

Updated November 2007