Chlamydia

The most common sexually transmitted infection in Ireland

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What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia Trachomatis is a bacterium and causes a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is a disease which can cause serious health problems especially in women. Infection with chlamydia can damage the fallopian tubes and cause fertility problems for a women. In men, infection with chlamydia may cause both infection and inflammation in the prostate and testes.

  • is it
    treatable?

    Yes, Chlamydia can be easily and effectively treated with antibiotics once infection has been detected.

  • is it
    contagious?

    Yes, Chlamydia is contagious and can be transferred to you or partner through:

    • close genital contact
    • unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
    • from a pregnant mother to baby

  • who does it
    affect?

    Chlamydia can be asymptomatic this means that you may not experience any symptoms but when symptoms do occur they usually occur 1-3 weeks after contact. It affects both women and men.

  • common in
    Ireland?

    Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed STI in Ireland with 6,695 cases in 2014.

What is the test
for Chlamydia?

Testing for this infection requires a sample of bodily fluid or urine. The sample is collected from the area of the body most likely infected (vagina, anus, mouth).

Where can I
get this done?

Chlamydia tests can be performed at a STI clinic, GP clinic or using a home test kit.

What are the
symptoms?

Chlamydia can be asymptomatic. This means that you may not experience any symptoms. But when symptoms do occur they usually occur 1-3 weeks after contact and can include:

Female

Abnormal vaginal discharge
Stinging or burning sensation while you pass urine
Pain or bleeding during or after sex
Abnormal bleeding between periods or unusually heavy periods

Male

Discharge from penis
Stinging or burning sensation when you pass urine

How is it
treated?

Chlamydia can be easily and effectively treated with antibiotics once infection has been detected.

Other STIs

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Ireland

Gonorrhoea

Also known as the ‘clap’ or ‘drip’ it's a very common infection in both men and women and can cause infections in the genitals, anus and/or throat.

Herpes

Genital Herpes or just ‘herpes’ is caused by a virus and can cause painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding area.

HIV

HIV is a virus called The Human Immunodeficiency Virus that causes HIV infection and over time AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

HPV (Genital Warts)

Genital warts are skin growths and can cause a lot of pain, itching and discomfort.

Syphilis

It is a bacteria passed via direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores usually occur in the mouth, vagina, anus, rectum or external genitalia.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It affects the liver and blood, it is the most common type of viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It affects the liver and can result in an acute and severe sudden illness. It can be fatal if it isn’t treated!

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It affects the liver and can result in an acute and severe sudden illness. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C.