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Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK, but you may not have heard of oral chlamydia. This specific form of chlamydia is lesser known as it is rare in comparison to chlamydia and is often misdiagnosed. From transmission to treatment, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about oral chlamydia.
Chlamydia in the mouth, or oral chlamydia, is a form of chlamydia that specifically affects the mouth and throat. Caused by the same bacteria that triggers chlamydia, Chlamydia Trachomatis is found in the mouth, leading to oral chlamydia.
Chlamydia can be transmitted through unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex. You will only get oral chlamydia through oral sex with an individual who is carrying the infection. This means you cannot catch oral chlamydia if you only have vaginal sex with your infected partner.
The answer is no! There is no evidence of chlamydia on lips, which can infect others. Chlamydia can only be transmitted through sexual contact. This means you cannot catch chlamydia from:
Chlamydia is known as the ‘silent infection’ as there are usually no physical symptoms. This is the main reason chlamydia is widely reported, as individuals are unaware they are infected with chlamydia. However, there are some symptoms related to chlamydia in the mouth, such as:
As you can see, these symptoms are usually symptoms of other infections, such as a cold, meaning oral chlamydia is commonly misdiagnosed and left untreated. This is why it is crucial you regularly test yourself!
Antibiotics are most commonly prescribed to those who are confirmed to have chlamydia. This is the same for those diagnosed with oral chlamydia.
Whilst on antibiotics, you must also refrain from any form of sexual activity, protected or not, for at least 7 days after you have completed treatment and ensure your previous and current partners are contacted to seek testing. It is also advised you attend a full STI screening at a sexual health clinic.
If chlamydia is left untreated, it can have many complications including:
If oral chlamydia is left untreated, some complications specifically affect the mouth and throat, such as:
To reduce your risk of catching oral chlamydia, you should ensure you have protected sex if you are sexually active. As chlamydia is known as the ‘silent infection’, it is important you have an open dialogue with your sexual partner before any sexual activity as they will unlikely display any outward symptoms.
It is recommended you test yourself for STIs regularly if you are sexually active, have had unprotected sex, are experiencing any symptoms relating to any STIs, including chlamydia, or have been notified a previous partner is infected.
This will not only help reduce the spread of chlamydia and other STIs but also allow for correct diagnosis and early treatment, minimising the risk of future health complications.
With regular testing, you can reduce the risk of catching oral chlamydia or any other STI, for that matter! Whether you are sexually active or are experiencing symptoms of chlamydia, give yourself peace of mind by getting tested.
At Home Health, we supply a range of sexual health test kits for professional use ONLY, including chlamydia test kits. If you need further guidance, we also have detailed health information to provide you with the latest information surrounding a plethora of health conditions and treatments, from chlamydia to antibiotics. Take control of your sexual health today with Home Health!
Although commonly symptomless, chlamydia in the mouth does display some symptoms, such as:
Chlamydia cannot be transmitted through kissing, hugging, sharing food and drink or sharing lipstick. This STI can only be transmitted through unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex with an infected individual.
In the case of oral chlamydia, this can only be transmitted through oral sex with someone carrying the infection.
Chlamydia is one of the most widely reported STIs in the UK. This is mainly due to the infection being generally symptom-less, meaning chlamydia is commonly undetected without testing. You can easily catch oral chlamydia through unprotected oral sex with an infected individual if you are unaware they are infected.
This is why it is advised you have protected sex to minimise your risk of catching oral chlamydia, and you regularly test yourself to detect chlamydia as early as possible to stop further transmission and seek treatment to avoid complications.
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