1.
Chlamydia is Canada's most common STI, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It's nicknamed the "silent" infection because many people don't experience symptoms. Left untreated, it can seriously damage your sexual organs, causing conditions like epididymitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Chlamydia spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and can be passed from a pregnant person to their baby during childbirth.
Symptoms (if you're 'lucky' enough to have them):
If you or a partner might have chlamydia, get tested. Because it often shows no symptoms, sexually active folks should get tested every 3-6 months. No more putting off testing!
2.
Testing for chlamydia typically involves:
You can get tested at healthcare clinics, sexual health centers, or with your doctor. Visit Sexual Health Ontario to find a clinic offering in-person testing.
trusti™ provides only rapid test technology in our at-home kits. Getting tested in a clinic can be a pain (we know!), but for now, it's the only way to screen for chlamydia. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop about new test offerings.
3.
Negative result: Keep practicing safe sex and regular testing.
Important: Chlamydia has an incubation period and may not show up on tests until three weeks after exposure. If you've had a recent risky encounter, test again in a couple weeks and keep using protection.
Positive result: You'll get a call from your doctor or clinician with treatment options and guidance on informing partners. Re-testing after treatment is essential to make sure the infection is gone.
4.
Chlamydia is knocked out with antibiotics, usually azithromycin or doxycycline. Finish the entire course even if symptoms disappear (seriously, don't be that person).
Sexual partners should get treated at the same time to prevent ping-ponging the infection back and forth. No sex—even protected—until you're retested and confirmed negative. Your genitals will thank you.
