Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Many individuals with chlamydia experience no noticeable symptoms, making it a “silent infection” that can be unknowingly transmitted. The infection affects people of all ages but is particularly prevalent among young, sexually active individuals.
Chlamydia Does Not Disappear On Its Own
Chlamydia infections do not resolve spontaneously and require medical intervention for a cure. It requires antibiotic treatment to eliminate the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria from the body. If left untreated, the bacteria will persist and can lead to more severe health complications. Relying on the infection to clear on its own is not a safe assumption, as symptoms might temporarily subside even while the infection remains active.
Why Chlamydia Can Seem to Return
What often appears to be a return of chlamydia is typically a new infection, known as re-infection, rather than a recurrence of the previously treated infection. The initial infection is cured with antibiotics, but subsequent exposure can lead to contracting the bacterium again. Re-infection is common and typically occurs in two primary ways.
A primary cause of re-infection is having an untreated sexual partner. If a person completes treatment but their sexual partner(s) remain untreated, re-infection can occur shortly after. This cycle of transmission makes it important for all partners to be addressed. Another way re-infection occurs is through sexual contact with a new partner who has an active chlamydia infection. Even after successful treatment, previous infection does not grant immunity, leaving individuals susceptible to new exposures.
Steps to Avoid Re-infection
Preventing chlamydia re-infection involves several steps to break the chain of transmission. It is essential for all sexual partners to be tested and treated simultaneously. Treating only one individual can lead to rapid re-infection from an untreated partner. Healthcare providers recommend that partners from the previous 60 days also get tested and treated.
During and immediately after treatment, individuals should abstain from all sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. This abstinence should last for at least seven days after completing a single-dose treatment or until the completion of a multi-day course. Waiting until all partners have completed their treatment is advised to prevent re-infection.
Consistent and correct use of barrier methods like condoms can reduce the risk of future STIs, including chlamydia. Regular testing is also an important preventive measure, especially for individuals with new or multiple partners, or if a partner tests positive. Re-testing for chlamydia is recommended approximately three months after treatment, even if partners were treated, due to the high rates of re-infection.
The Importance of Full Treatment
Completing prescribed antibiotics is essential for curing chlamydia and preventing serious health complications. For women, untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is an infection of the reproductive organs. PID can cause chronic pelvic pain, increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy (a life-threatening condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus), and can lead to infertility by damaging the fallopian tubes.
For men, untreated chlamydia can result in epididymitis, an inflammation of the coiled tube at the back of the testicles that stores and carries sperm. While less common than in women, this can cause pain and swelling and impact fertility. Both men and women face general risks if chlamydia goes untreated, including reactive arthritis, which causes joint pain and swelling. Additionally, untreated chlamydia can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV.