Chlamydia is usually caught through sexual contact. However, if a pregnant woman has chlamydia, she can pass the infection to her baby during childbirth.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. It’s caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. These bacteria are found in the semen and vaginal fluids of people with chlamydia.
How is chlamydia caught?
You can catch chlamydia through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be passed on if you share sex toys and don’t wash them or don't cover them with a condom each time they’re used.
It’s not clear whether chlamydia can be spread if infected semen or vaginal fluid on your fingers is transferred to another person’s genitals, or by rubbing female genitals together.
You can’t catch chlamydia from kissing or sharing facilities, such as toilets or towels, with someone who has the infection.
What should I do if I think I might have chlamydia?
Go to your GP, a sexual health clinic or a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic for a free, confidential test. Chlamydia can go unnoticed because it often has no symptoms.
Chlamydia can be treated easily with antibiotics. If you don’t get treatment for chlamydia, it can lead to long-term problems for both women and men, including infertility.
Health A-Z has more information about the symptoms of chlamydia and possible complications of chlamydia.
Read the answers to more questions about sexual health.
Further information
