{"id":17639,"date":"2025-10-23T15:08:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T15:08:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prelib.com\/?p=17639"},"modified":"2026-03-11T16:24:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T16:24:32","slug":"les-plus-gros-mythes-sur-la-chlamydia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/articles\/les-plus-gros-mythes-sur-la-chlamydia\/","title":{"rendered":"The Biggest Myths About Chlamydia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In Quebec, <a href=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/chlamydia\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"424\">chlamydia<\/a> is the most common bacterial STI, but it\u2019s often misunderstood. Many misconceptions still circulate (hello, toilet seat rumors!), making it hard to separate fact from fiction. Understanding this infection and its realities is key to protecting yourself and your partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chlamydia Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chlamydia remains the most common bacterial STI in Quebec. In 2022, according to the Institut national de sant\u00e9 publique du Qu\u00e9bec, 58% of cases involved women. Young people aged 15 to 24 accounted for 52% of diagnoses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Symptoms (or Lack Thereof)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chlamydia often goes unnoticed: <strong>up to 70% of people show no symptoms.<\/strong>When symptoms do appear, they usually show <strong>2 to 3 weeks after exposure<\/strong>, but sometimes as late as <strong>6 weeks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If symptoms occur, they depend on the area affected and may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Genital tract:<\/strong> Genital area: burning during urination or sex, urethral itching, unusual discharge or odors, irregular vaginal bleeding, testicular pain or swelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Throat: <\/strong>throat discomfort<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rectum :<\/strong> abnormal secretions, pain or cramps, bleeding, ulcerations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eye: <\/strong>redness, pain, discharge, itching<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is that chlamydia is generally easy to treat with antibiotics. People diagnosed with chlamydia should notify their sexual partners as soon as possible. This not only helps prevent reinfection with untreated partners but also allows partners to get tested, receive appropriate treatment, and avoid complications. Notifying partners also helps limit the spread of the infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-medium-photoclub-2406424-4199730-1-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17641\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-medium-photoclub-2406424-4199730-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-medium-photoclub-2406424-4199730-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-medium-photoclub-2406424-4199730-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-medium-photoclub-2406424-4199730-1-1024x1536.png 1024w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-medium-photoclub-2406424-4199730-1-1366x2048.png 1366w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-medium-photoclub-2406424-4199730-1-8x12.png 8w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-medium-photoclub-2406424-4199730-1.png 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-mizunokozuki-13765619-1-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17642\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-mizunokozuki-13765619-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-mizunokozuki-13765619-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-mizunokozuki-13765619-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-mizunokozuki-13765619-1-1024x1536.png 1024w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-mizunokozuki-13765619-1-1366x2048.png 1366w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-mizunokozuki-13765619-1-8x12.png 8w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-mizunokozuki-13765619-1.png 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When the Infection Causes Complications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Chlamydia can lead to complications, <strong>even without symptoms<\/strong>. In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which increases the risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy. In men, it can cause inflammation of the testicles or prostate, affecting fertility. The infection can also cause chronic abdominal pain or reactive arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain. It is important to note that chlamydia increases the risk of contracting or transmitting <a href=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/human-immunodeficiency-virus\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"451\">HIV<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chlamydia: Myth or Reality?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many things people say about chlamydia. Some true, some completely false. And let\u2019s face it, asking questions directly can feel awkward. Yet these are doubts that many people share. Let\u2019s separate fact from fiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can You Catch Chlamydia from a Toilet Seat?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Chlamydia needs certain parts of the body (like the cervix, urethra, or throat) to survive. On a toilet seat, the bacteria die quickly. Even if an infected person used it just before you, there is no real risk: chlamydia does not survive on a seat or on the skin that touches it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can You Get Chlamydia from Gym Equipment?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Like a toilet seat, chlamydia cannot survive on dry surfaces such as a rowing machine, weight bench, or dumbbells. Also, the skin that touches the equipment is not a suitable environment for the bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can You Get Chlamydia from Drinking from Someone Else\u2019s Glass?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Chlamydia cannot be transmitted through sharing a drinking glass, as the necessary conditions for transmission are not met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can You Get Chlamydia from a Sex Toy?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Unlike a toilet seat, glass, or gym equipment, a <em>sextoy<\/em> is used in a sexual context, which allows infected fluids to remain on the object (dildos, vibrators, anal sleeves, etc.). Micro-tears caused by the toy can also increase the risk of transmission<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sex toys should not be shared, but if they are, the risk can be reduced by using a condom or dental dam on the toy, and changing it between each partner. To learn more about the safe use of sex toys, <a href=\"https:\/\/clubsexu.com\/sex-toys-et-itss-comment-jouer-en-toute-securite\/\"><strong>here is a useful article<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938400-1-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938400-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938400-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938400-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938400-1-1024x1536.png 1024w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938400-1-1366x2048.png 1366w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938400-1-8x12.png 8w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938400-1.png 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938643-1-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938643-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938643-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938643-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938643-1-1024x1536.png 1024w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938643-1-1366x2048.png 1366w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938643-1-8x12.png 8w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-sora-shimazaki-5938643-1.png 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is Chlamydia Treatment Free in Quebec?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Oui, le traitement antibiotique pour la chlamydia est gratuit au Qu\u00e9bec pour les personnes infect\u00e9es et leurs partenaires sexuel\u00b7les, gr\u00e2ce au programme de gratuit\u00e9 des m\u00e9dicaments pour les ITS offert par la RAMQ.&nbsp;Pour obtenir les m\u00e9dicaments, vous devez d&rsquo;abord consulter un\u00b7e professionnel\u00b7le de la sant\u00e9 pour obtenir une ordonnance, puis la pr\u00e9senter avec votre carte d&rsquo;assurance maladie valide \u00e0 votre pharmacien\u00b7ne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can You Get Chlamydia Through Oral Sex?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, chlamydia can be transmitted during oral sex. The infection can spread when a person with chlamydia in their mouth or throat performs oral sex on another person, or when someone performs oral sex on a person who has chlamydia in their genitals or anus. Chlamydia is easily transmitted through oral-penile contact (mouth on penis) without a condom. It can also be transmitted through oral-vaginal or oral-anal contact (anilingus or rimming) if a dental dam is not used, although this route of transmission is less common.&nbsp;<em>rimming<\/em>) si une digue dentaire n\u2019est pas utilis\u00e9e, quoique cette voie de transmission soit moins fr\u00e9quente. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Prelib, we offer a self-administered, discreet test to <a href=\"https:\/\/patient.prelib.com\/login\">tested<\/a> for chlamydia in the throat using a <strong>cotton swab<\/strong>, and antibiotics are effective if the test is positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can You Transmit Chlamydia if You Have No Symptoms?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Chlamydia can be transmitted even without symptoms. The infection is present in the body and can spread during sexual activity, which is why regular <a href=\"https:\/\/patient.prelib.com\/login\">syphilis testing<\/a> is crucial to protect yourself and your partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Est-ce qu\u2019on peut contracter la chlamydia dans l&rsquo;\u0153il?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Chlamydia can infect the eye, causing conjunctivitis, typically through direct contact with infected genital fluids or unwashed hands. Symptoms include redness, pain, discharge, and itching. Antibiotics are effective, and the infection usually resolves within weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can Chlamydia Cause Infertility?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, in rare cases, untreated chlamydia can cause infertility in both women and men. In women, it can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease, causing damage to the fallopian tubes and increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancies or infertility. In men, it can cause inflammation of the prostate or testicles, which can also affect fertility. These complications do not appear overnight: they can take months or even years to develop. That is why regular screening and prompt treatment are essential to avoid these long-term consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can You Get Chlamydia More Than Once?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. It is possible to get chlamydia multiple times because the body does not develop permanent immunity. Reinfection can occur if you have unprotected sex with an infected partner or if partners are not treated simultaneously. Regular testing and abstaining from sex until treatment is completed are crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Are Chlamydia Tests Complicated or Painful?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Chlamydia tests are simple and painless. They usually involve a urine sample and swabs from exposed areas (vagina, anus, throat).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do You Need Symptoms to Get Tested?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. You don\u2019t need symptoms to get tested. Most chlamydia cases are asymptomatic but can have long-term consequences if untreated. Regular <a href=\"https:\/\/patient.prelib.com\/login\">tested<\/a> is important for this reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-angela-roma-7479904-1-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-angela-roma-7479904-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-angela-roma-7479904-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-angela-roma-7479904-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-angela-roma-7479904-1-1024x1536.png 1024w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-angela-roma-7479904-1-1366x2048.png 1366w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-angela-roma-7479904-1-8x12.png 8w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-angela-roma-7479904-1.png 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-lorete-m-511517246-19652028-1-683x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-17646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-lorete-m-511517246-19652028-1-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-lorete-m-511517246-19652028-1-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-lorete-m-511517246-19652028-1-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-lorete-m-511517246-19652028-1-1024x1536.png 1024w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-lorete-m-511517246-19652028-1-1366x2048.png 1366w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-lorete-m-511517246-19652028-1-8x12.png 8w, https:\/\/prelib.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pexels-lorete-m-511517246-19652028-1.png 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Should You Wait to Get Tested After Exposure?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, after a risky situation, it is recommended to get <a href=\"https:\/\/patient.prelib.com\/login\">tested<\/a> quickly for chlamydia, but also for other STIs depending on the context. However, the window period <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/articles\/la-periode-fenetre-des-itss-comprendre-le-bon-moment-pour-se-faire-depister\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"17783\">window period<\/a><\/strong> must be taken into account : the time during which the infection is present but may not be detectable. For chlamydia, this period is about <strong>14 days<\/strong>. A test done two weeks after exposure is much more reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Filling out the medical questionnaire thoroughly ensures you receive the right tests and optimal follow-up.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chlamydia in Quebec: Demystify this common STI, discover the facts, and learn how to prevent and treat the infection.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":17640,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-itss"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17639","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17639"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17639\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17640"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17639"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prelib.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}