Long-term risks of chlamydia: what you need to know

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Australia, and the good news is that it’s easily treated. The catch is that most people who have it never notice a thing, because chlamydia usually causes no symptoms at all. That’s exactly what makes it risky: an infection you don’t know about is one that goes untreated, and over time untreated chlamydia can lead to serious, lasting health problems. Here is what those risks actually are, and how a simple test prevents almost all of them.

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It’s usually passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex, and can also spread by sharing sex toys, by genital-to-genital contact, or from mother to baby during childbirth.

Because it so often causes no symptoms, chlamydia is easy to miss. Many people assume that feeling well means they’re in the clear, and that assumption is what delays treatment and lets complications develop quietly in the background. The only reliable way to know is to test for chlamydia, which is quick, confidential and simple.

The long-term risks of chlamydia

Left untreated, chlamydia can silently damage the reproductive system and, less commonly, other parts of the body. Both women and men can be affected, though the complications differ. The important thing to hold onto as you read is that almost all of these problems are preventable, because they only develop when an infection is left untreated for a long time.

Complications of untreated chlamydia in women

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

One of the most common and important complications in women is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This happens when the infection spreads up from the cervix to the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries, causing inflammation and potential scarring. PID can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility and a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Infertility

The inflammation caused by PID can permanently damage the fallopian tubes, uterus or vagina, making it difficult or, in some cases, impossible to become pregnant naturally.

Ectopic pregnancy

Damage or scarring of the fallopian tubes increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening.

Pregnancy complications

Untreated chlamydia during pregnancy is linked to complications including premature delivery, and the infection can be passed to the baby during birth. Newborns who contract chlamydia can develop pneumonia or conjunctivitis, which can threaten their eyesight if untreated. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, it’s worth arranging STI testing in pregnancy.

Chlamydia side effects in men

Epididymitis

Untreated chlamydia in men can cause epididymitis, inflammation of the epididymis (the coiled tube behind each testicle that stores sperm). It typically causes pain, tenderness and swelling in one or both testicles.

Infertility

Although less common than in women, untreated chlamydia can affect male fertility through scarring of the reproductive tract and damage to sperm.

Prostatitis

Chlamydia can occasionally lead to prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate gland, which causes pelvic pain and discomfort.

Long-term complications for women and men

Reactive arthritis

In some people, chlamydia can trigger reactive arthritis, where the immune response causes joint inflammation and stiffness. It can also affect the eyes and skin.

Eye infection

Chlamydia can cause conjunctivitis, an eye infection producing redness and discharge, usually when infected fluid reaches the eye.

Increased HIV risk

Having an untreated STI such as chlamydia can increase the risk of acquiring HIV if you’re exposed. If you’re concerned about HIV risk, a Specialist GP can also talk you through PrEP and PEP.

Other infections

Left untreated, chlamydia can also cause throat infections and proctitis (inflammation of the lining of the rectum).

Preventing the long-term risks of chlamydia

The complications above can sound frightening, but the vast majority are preventable with early treatment. The problem is that chlamydia so often causes no symptoms, so it can progress to complications without you ever knowing it was there.

The single best way to protect yourself is regular STI testing. A test detects chlamydia even when you feel completely well, which means you can be treated early if it’s positive. STI testing in Australia is easy, accessible and confidential, and at Clinic365 you can arrange it online and speak to a Specialist GP by phone.

When to get a chlamydia test

An STI test detects chlamydia and other infections, and results usually come back within a couple of days.

• At least yearlyAnyone who’s sexually active, even with a single partner.
• Every 3 monthsIf you have multiple partners, or you’re a man who has sex with men (even if you use condoms).
• After treatmentRe-test about 3 months after treatment for chlamydia, because re-infection is common.

If a partner has tested positive, partner treatment (PDPT) may be an option to help prevent re-infection.