Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmissible infection in Tasmania.
Symptoms
Most people with Chlamydia do not have any symptoms. Those that do may have pain on passing urine and/or a discharge from the penis or vagina. In women, pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding between periods, or heavier and more painful periods can occur. In men the infection can spread to around the testes causing pain.
Chlamydia can be associated with arthritis and conjunctivitis, but this is rare.
Transmission
Chlamydia is transmissible via vaginal, oral and anal sex. It is also possible for Chlamydia to be passed from mother to baby during birth.
Diagnosis
Chlamydia is diagnosed by a swab or from a urine sample. It is important, if a urine test is being taken, that the person has not passed urine for 2 hours before the test.
Treatment
The usual treatment for Chlamydia is an antibiotic called Azithromycin which is 2 tablets taken as a single dose. Other treatments are available if you are allergic to this antibiotic.
Partners
It is important that all sexual partners of someone with Chlamydia be checked for the presence of infection, and that unprotected sex does not occur until sexual partners have been treated.
Complications
Chlamydia can cause infertility in both men and women. In women it can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tube) and miscarriage. Chlamydia is one of the common causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Infants infected at the time of delivery may have pneumonia, throat and/or ear infections.
How to avoid getting Chlamydia
Practise safer sex – always use condoms that are in date, and use a water based lubricant when having vaginal or anal sex. For oral sex, condoms or dams will help prevent transmission of Chlamydia. Or enjoy non-penetrative sexual activity. If you are about to start a new sexual relationship discuss having a sexual health check with your partner.
Why are we worried about Chlamydia?
Since 2001 notification rates for Chlamydia have significantly increased across all age groups. The highest rates were seen in the age groups 15-19 years and 20-24 years. Between 2001 and 2008, persons aged 15-24 years represented 15% of the Tasmanian population; but accounted for 74% of the Tasmanian chlamydial notifications.
The increases in the age groups 15-19 years and 20-24 years in Tasmania were larger than the increases that have been observed nationally. Rates were consistently higher in urban areas.
Females were more likely to have been tested as a result of screening, and males were more likely to have been tested when presenting with symptoms or as a result of contact tracing.
Most cases were diagnosed by a general practitioner.
Coming soon:
Sexual Health Service Tasmania and youth health services in your area are interested in what you think about Chlamydia and safer sex. Projects will be happening that invite you to design and make documentaries, film and music clips, artwork and the like that will get the message out that young people in Tasmania care about their sexual health. Talk to your local youth health service or Sexual Health Service office if you are interested in contributing.