Yes, chlamydia can indeed be contracted in the mouth. It is caused by the same bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, that causes infections in the genital and anal areas. This infection can affect the throat and mouth tissues.
How Oral Chlamydia is Contracted
Oral chlamydia is primarily transmitted through unprotected oral sex with an infected partner. If an individual performs oral sex on someone with a genital or anal chlamydia infection, the bacteria can transfer to the mouth and throat. This includes oral-penile, oral-vaginal, and oral-anal contact. While the bacteria prefer the genital area, transmission to the throat is possible through contact with infected bodily fluids. It is generally considered less likely to be transmitted through oral sex compared to vaginal or anal sex, but it remains a route of infection. Casual contact, such as kissing, sharing food or drinks, or hugging, does not transmit chlamydia.
Signs and Symptoms
Oral chlamydia often presents without noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to self-diagnose. Many individuals experience no symptoms or very mild ones, often mistaken for other common ailments. This asymptomatic nature highlights the importance of regular testing if exposure is suspected. When symptoms do occur, they can include a persistent sore throat, redness in the mouth or throat, and potentially swollen tonsils. Other signs include mouth sores, bumps on the tongue, or white spots at the back of the throat. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, a mild fever, or general fatigue may also occur. These symptoms can resemble those of less serious conditions like strep throat or a common cold, which further complicates self-diagnosis.
Testing and Treatment
If oral chlamydia is suspected due to potential exposure or symptoms, testing is recommended. Diagnosis typically involves a throat swab, which collects a sample from the back of the throat to test for Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the most sensitive and accurate method for detecting the genetic material of the bacteria. Oral chlamydia is a curable infection, usually treated with a course of antibiotics. The standard antibiotic treatments include a single oral dose of 1 gram of azithromycin or 100 milligrams of doxycycline taken twice daily for seven days. Doxycycline may be more effective for oral and rectal chlamydia infections compared to azithromycin. It is important to complete the entire course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. During treatment, individuals should abstain from all sexual activity for at least seven days after completing the medication to prevent reinfection and transmission. A follow-up test may be recommended in three to four weeks to confirm the infection has cleared, particularly if symptoms persist or reinfection is suspected.