Oral chlamydia is an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis when it infects the mouth or throat. It is the same type of bacteria responsible for genital or anal chlamydia infections.
Understanding Its Prevalence
Oral chlamydia, also known as pharyngeal chlamydia, is less common compared to genital or anal chlamydia infections. Chlamydia bacteria show a preference for the mucous membranes of the genital area over the mouth.
Despite being less prevalent, oral chlamydia remains a sexually transmitted infection. It can sometimes go undiagnosed because it is not routinely screened for during standard STI testing, unlike genital chlamydia. The variation in study results regarding its commonness also makes it difficult to ascertain precise figures.
How Oral Chlamydia Spreads
Oral chlamydia primarily spreads through sexual contact involving the mouth. This occurs when an individual performs oral sex on a partner with an existing chlamydia infection, typically in the genital or anal region. The Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria can transfer from infected genital fluids to the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, including mouth-to-penis, mouth-to-vagina, and mouth-to-anus contact.
While transmission can occur during various forms of oral sex, giving oral sex to a penis is a more potent route of transmission than oral sex involving female genitals or the anus. Chlamydia cannot be spread through casual contact such as mouth-to-mouth kissing or sharing utensils. It is also possible, though less common, for the infection to spread from an infected throat to another person’s genitals during oral sex.
Recognizing Symptoms
Symptoms of oral chlamydia can be subtle or entirely absent, making the infection difficult to detect. When symptoms do appear, they typically manifest within one to three weeks after sexual activity with an infected partner.
Common symptoms include a sore throat, which may be a mild discomfort. Some people might experience pain or discomfort when swallowing, similar to strep throat. Other potential signs include redness in the mouth or throat, white spots towards the back of the mouth, or sores in the mouth or around the lips. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and a mild fever can also occur.
Testing and Treatment
If an oral chlamydia infection is suspected, testing is available. Unlike genital chlamydia, which can often be detected through urine samples, oral chlamydia requires a throat swab for accurate diagnosis. A healthcare provider will collect a sample from the back of the throat and send it to a laboratory for evaluation. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are commonly used, as they can detect even small amounts of bacterial genetic material. Results are often available within one to two days.
Once diagnosed, oral chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics. The preferred treatment regimen often involves 100 milligrams of doxycycline taken orally twice daily for seven days. Alternative treatments may include a single oral dose of 1 gram of azithromycin or 500 milligrams of levofloxacin daily for seven days. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics and avoid sexual activity during treatment and for at least seven days after finishing the medication to prevent spreading the infection. Untreated oral chlamydia can lead to complications such as secondary mouth infections, dental pain, and gum disease.