Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most widespread bacterial STBBI in Quebec, since it is transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse and often remains asymptomatic. Fortunately, access to antibiotic treatment is free for everyone in Quebec.

Causes

Chlamydia is an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacterium is usually transmitted through secretions from the vagina, penis, mouth or anus. Unprotected sexual relations are one of the main risk factors for chlamydia infection. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her child during childbirth, with the risk of serious complications for the baby.

Who is at risk of infection

Over the past few years, we've seen an increase in the number of cases of this infection, and we've noticed that the group most often affected is aged between 15 and 24 and sexually active. Chlamydia is also often accompanied by gonorrhea infection (see "Gonorrhea").

Simply being sexually active puts a person at risk of this infection. However, the following activities increase the risk of infection:

  • Sex without a condom
  • Sexual relations with several partners
  • Sharing sex toys

Symptoms

In the vast majority of cases, chlamydia goes undetected because it presents few or no symptoms. When symptoms are present, they may last up to six weeks, but on average two to three weeks after exposure to risk, and vary according to the site of infection.

Possible symptoms, by site of infection, include:

  • Genital tract: burning of the bladder or after intercourse, itching of the urethra, unusual odours or discharge
    • For women: unusual vaginal bleeding. In more advanced cases, abdominal pain accompanied by fever and/or nausea is possible.
    • For men: testicular pain or swelling
  • Throat: throat discomfort
  • Rectum: abnormal secretions, pain or cramps, bleeding, ulcerations
  • Eye: pain, discharge, itching

Complications

Untreated, the infection can persist for many months, leading to complications even in the absence of symptoms. It may heal spontaneously. There are many potential long-term complications of untreated chlamydia. These include infertility, increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, chronic testicular infection, chronic abdominal pain or permanent scarring of the urinary tract. In rare cases, chlamydia can cause inflammation of the liver.

It's important to note that a chlamydia infection can increase the risk of being infected and transmitting HIV.

Screening and treatment

The most common specimens are direct samples taken from sites exposed by sexual activity (such as the vagina, anus and throat), as well as urine samples. The window period for detection is 14 days.

It is treated with antibiotics, the duration of which may vary depending on the site of infection. Treatment is free of charge for the infected person and his or her partners, under the Free Drug Program for the Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections.

When the diagnosis is made, it is recommended to notify and treat all sexual partners within the last 60 days.

Also, a period of abstinence following treatment is necessary, as a person remains contagious for some time after starting treatment. Once cured, there is no longer any risk of transmitting chlamydia to other sexual partners. However, even after a treated episode, it is possible to be re-infected.

Protection

There is no vaccine to protect against chlamydia. 

The best means of protection remains the use of a condom, regardless of the type of sexual intercourse. Since it is possible to be infected and have no symptoms, routine screening is recommended for all sexually active single people, especially in the presence of new partners or during unprotected sex.