Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This bacterial infection can affect various parts of the body, including the genitals, rectum, and eyes. It is important to understand that Chlamydia trachomatis can indeed infect the throat and mouth. Oral chlamydia often presents without noticeable signs or discomfort, making detection challenging.
How Oral Chlamydia is Contracted
Oral chlamydia is primarily transmitted through unprotected oral sex with an infected individual. The transfer of infected bodily fluids (pre-ejaculate, semen, or vaginal fluids) to the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat facilitates this transmission. This can occur regardless of whether ejaculation takes place.
The bacterium can enter through small breaks or abrasions in oral tissues, even those too small to be visible. Oral chlamydia is not typically spread through casual non-sexual contact. Activities like kissing, sharing eating utensils, drinking from the same cup, or coughing and sneezing are not considered routes for its transmission.
Symptoms of Oral Chlamydia
Many oral chlamydia infections are asymptomatic, meaning individuals experience no perceptible signs or discomfort. When symptoms do manifest, they often resemble those of other common infections. A persistent sore throat is a frequent complaint, sometimes accompanied by redness in the back of the throat.
Some individuals may observe swollen tonsils or develop small mouth sores or ulcers. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck may also indicate an infection. These symptoms are generally mild and can be mistaken for a common cold, tonsillitis, or strep throat, leading to delayed recognition or misdiagnosis.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Diagnosing oral chlamydia involves specific laboratory testing to identify Chlamydia trachomatis in the throat. A healthcare provider typically performs a swab test, where a sterile cotton swab is rubbed over the back of the throat and tonsils to collect cells. This sample is sent to a laboratory for nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which are highly sensitive in detecting the bacterial DNA. Blood tests are not used for diagnosing oral chlamydia. Providing a complete sexual history to healthcare providers is important, as this information guides appropriate testing and ensures all potentially exposed areas are screened.
Oral chlamydia infections are treatable with a course of antibiotics. Common antibiotic regimens include a single dose of azithromycin or a seven-day course of doxycycline. It is important to complete the entire prescribed course of medication, even if symptoms improve or disappear. Individuals undergoing treatment should abstain from sexual activity until treatment is fully completed and symptoms have completely resolved to prevent spreading the infection or becoming reinfected.
Prevention strategies for oral chlamydia focus on reducing exposure during sexual activity. Consistent and correct use of barrier methods, such as condoms during oral sex on a penis, or dental dams during oral sex on a vulva or anus, lowers the risk of transmission. Regular STI screening is also recommended for sexually active individuals, particularly those with multiple partners, or who have new partners. If an infection is diagnosed, informing past sexual partners allows them to get tested and treated, which helps prevent reinfection and further spread.