How can get chlamydia

Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading chlamydia. If your or your partner is allergic to latex , you can use polyurethane condoms. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.

Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Chlamydia Infections. Learn More Related Issues. See, Play and Learn Images. Research Clinical Trials Journal Articles. Resources Find an Expert. What is chlamydia? How do you get chlamydia? Who is at risk of getting chlamydia? What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Symptoms in women include Abnormal vaginal discharge, which may have a strong smell A burning sensation when urinating Pain during intercourse If the infection spreads, you might get lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, nausea, or fever. How is chlamydia diagnosed? Who should be tested for chlamydia?

People at higher risk should get checked for chlamydia every year: Sexually active women 25 and younger Older women who have new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted disease Men who have sex with men MSM What other problems can chlamydia cause?

This is what happens during unprotected sex that is sex without a condom whether vaginal or anal sex. Oral sex is not a common cause of infection with this bacteria. Chlamydia is less likely to be transmitted during oral sex because the bacteria that cause chlamydia prefer to target the genital area rather than the throat.

This is why it is unlikely for chlamydia to be transmitted from mouth-to-penis and penis-to-mouth contact, although it is still possible. The surest way to prevent chlamydia infection is to abstain from sexual activities. Short of that, you can:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Other STIs can develop in the throat.

Each type of STI in the throat cause unique symptoms and concerns. A chlamydia infection is most common in the genital area, but it can occur in less common places like the anus, throat, and even the eyes. It can occur in the eyes through direct or indirect contact with the bacterium. For example, the infection can go from the genitals to the eye if you touch your eye without washing your hands.

If you have a chlamydia eye infection, also known as chlamydial conjunctivitis, the following symptoms may occur:. If left untreated, chlamydia in the eye can lead to blindness. Chlamydia in the eye may be confused with more common eye infections.

Learn the differences between chlamydia and other eye infections to know the symptoms. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two common STIs. Both are caused by bacteria that can be passed during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Both STIs are unlikely to cause symptoms. If symptoms do occur, people with chlamydia experience the first signs within a few weeks of contracting the infection. With gonorrhea, it can be much longer before symptoms appear, if at all. The two infections can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and reproductive issues if left untreated. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to itching, soreness, and pain in the rectum, such as during bowel movements.

Women with untreated gonorrhea may also experience prolonged, heavy periods and pain during intercourse. Both chlamydia and gonorrhea can be treated effectively with antibiotics.

Several other key differences help distinguish between the two STIs. The surest way for a sexually active person to avoid contracting chlamydia is to use a condom during sexual intercourse. Safe sex can protect everyone from infections, unintended pregnancy, and other complications. Safe sex is incredibly successful if done correctly. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection STI that can affect anyone. A common misconception is that chlamydia is transmittable through kissing.

Having an itch on or around your testicles or scrotum isn't uncommon. Sweating in your groin after taking a walk can cause your testicles to itch more…. See some examples and descriptions.

Information on sexually transmitted infections specifically for women.