What you should know about chlamydia

Chlamydia is a women's issue - isn't it? No, both women and men can get chlamydia. Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact.

The infection is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. In Germany, around 300,000 infections per year are assumed; the highest infection rates are found in adolescents and young adults.

"Having no symptoms doesn't mean you're not contagious."

Chlamydia infections can cause a variety of symptoms, but in many cases they do not cause them and go undetected. However, not having any symptoms does not mean that you are not contagious.

Symptoms can appear a few days to weeks after infection: painful urination, unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, abdominal or pelvic pain, pain or bleeding during intercourse.

Free of symptoms and still infected - not uncommon

If left untreated, chlamydial infection can cause serious complications, such as infertility in women, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, or inflammation of the epididymis in men. If left untreated, chlamydia can settle in the joints and cause arthritis there. Pregnant women should also be careful - such an infection can lead to premature birth.

Since chlamydia can be transmitted from mother to child at birth, there is a real risk of infection in the newborn: Chlamydia can lead to severe pneumonia and eye infections in the child.

So far there is no vaccination against chlamydia. In the case of infection and diagnosis a partner treatment with antibiotics is recommended because the probability of bacterial transmission is very high. The sexual partners of the past 60 days are relevant here.

How can I get tested for Chlamydia?

Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission. Timely treatment with antibiotics can cure chlamydia infection and prevent complications. It's still important to test for chlamydia regularly, especially if you're sexually active or have a new sex partner. If a Chlamydia infection is suspected, a swab or urine sample is taken (first jet urine).

Such tests are not routinely offered by the doctor, but only in the case of acute symptoms or on request. Health insurance chlamydia tests are only offered to women under the age of 25.

A test for chlamydia can protect you and your loved ones from infection and complications. Check out our CoviMedical Home tests below and learn how you can easily, safely and discreetly test yourself for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases.