How long can chlamydia lay dormant?

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the UK. In 2018 alone, 49% of all new diagnoses of STDs were Chlamydia. A possible reason for this is that the Chlamydia can lay dormant for many years without the carrier knowing. In this blog, we will look at how Chlamydia is transmitted, and how to prevent and treat it. 

What are the symptoms of chlamydia? 

Whilst Chlamydia often lays dormant in many people, the disease may flare up and cause symptoms due to a change in the immune system such as a cold or flu. Symptoms include:

• Unusual discharge from bottom, vagina or penis
• Testicle pain and swelling 
• Pain when urinating 
• Bleeding after sex or spotting between periods for women
• Pain in the tummy 

However, STDs such as Chlamydia can often be asymptomatic. It is reported that nearly 75% of women and 50% of men are asymptomatic when infected with Chlamydia. To reduce the risk of transmission, it is important to regularly test for STDs, particularly if you have multiple sexual partners. Your Sexual Health offers a wide variety of tests that can be conducted in the privacy of your own home. 

Does chlamydia go away on its own?

It is highly unlikely that Chlamydia will go away on its own without treatment, which is why it is so important to be tested regularly and be treated swiftly if positive. Whilst it has been known for some infected with Chlamydia to recover without treatment, this is uncommon and very risky as untreated Chlamydia may lead to more severe health problems.

How can you treat chlamydia?

Following a positive test, the most common and effective treatment for Chlamydia is a course of antibiotics, usually over the period of one week. You should abstain for sexual activity for one week following a successful course of antibiotics and ensure that regular sexual partners, as well as previous partners, are informed and tested.

Can you pass chlamydia on without symptoms?

Even if you are asymptomatic with Chlamydia, it is still possible to pass on the disease. The bacterial infection transmits via bodily fluids during sexual activity, therefore it is vitally important to practise safe sex and be tested regularly to ensure that you are clean of sexually transmitted infections. Visit our website to learn more about home testing. 

What happens if you don’t get treatment for chlamydia?

Although you may not present with symptoms, you may develop serious health problems if Chlamydia is left untreated. Potential health problems may include:

• Infertility
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Inflammation
• Infections
• Pregnancy complications
• Reactive Arthritis

How to know if you have chlamydia

Many STIs such as Chlamydia can be asymptomatic which makes it difficult to know if you are infected. The only way to find out if you have an STI is to be tested regularly, especially before engaging with a new sexual partner.. At Your Sexual Health, there is a wide range of sexual health tests including Chlamydia tests that can help you determine if you have any sexually transmitted infections.  Getting tested is vitally important to ensure the health of both yourself and your partner(s).