Chlamydia through oral sex: what should you know?

Oral sex can move chlamydia between the throat and a partner's penis, vagina, or rectum. Infection may remain quiet in the throat or cause a sore throat; genital infection may cause discharge or painful urination. Rectal infection can cause discomfort, discharge, or bleeding. These symptoms can also arise from other conditions, while no symptoms does not rule out infection.

A diagnosis describes infection at a tested site, not necessarily every site that was exposed. A clinician may therefore recommend different samples according to whether you gave or received oral sex and whether other sexual contact occurred.

Contact a sexual-health or primary-care service for STI screening if a partner has chlamydia, you had unprotected oral sex with a new or uncertain partner, or you have related symptoms. State the timing and type of contact clearly. Until you have advice, use a barrier for oral sex and avoid sexual contact if symptoms are present.

If chlamydia is found, take the recommended antibiotic exactly as prescribed. Partners should be told in a confidential, supportive way and offered assessment. Avoid sharing medication, because treatment choice and duration depend on the clinical situation.

Seek urgent care for severe pelvic or testicular pain, faintness, fever with rapidly worsening illness, or trouble breathing or swallowing. Arrange prompt medical review for persistent throat discomfort after exposure, discharge, painful urination, rectal pain, bleeding between periods, or a known partner diagnosis. Seek early advice during pregnancy after a possible exposure.

Ask which samples are appropriate for the contact you had, whether other STI screening is advisable, when results should arrive, and how partners can be supported. Ask when you can resume sexual contact after treatment and what barrier method to use meanwhile.