Chlamydia is Australia’s most common STI, with nearly 97,000 cases picked up each year, says the Department of Health. What’s worrying is how it can stay hidden; lots of people have no symptoms at all. This ‘silent’ Chlamydia means you could have it and pass it on without knowing, which can lead to serious health problems. Here, we take a look at why Chlamydia without symptoms is a big deal for public health, the risks of ignoring it, and why regular testing is a must for sexually active Aussies.
Understanding silent Chlamydia
Silent Chlamydia is super common. Healthdirect says, ‘Most people with Chlamydia don’t notice anything wrong, so you or your partner could have it for months or even years without a clue.’ That’s what makes it so sneaky, it can hide until something serious pops up or a test catches it.
A 2012 study in BMC Infectious Diseases found that about 5% of young Aussie men and women have Chlamydia, and heaps of those cases show no signs. The study showed it’s more common if you’ve got chlamydia symptoms or a partner with an STI, but since most people don’t feel a thing, it’s a big reason to get tested regularly. Both blokes and women can have it without knowing, though women are more likely to miss the signs, which can lead to hidden problems.
The Hidden Dangers of Untreated Chlamydia
Just because Chlamydia has no symptoms doesn’t mean it’s safe. If you don’t treat it, it can cause big problems. In women, it can move up to the reproductive bits and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID); that’s a nasty infection in the pelvis. Studies reckon 20–30% of PID cases come from Chlamydia, and about 17% of untreated cases in women turn into PID. That can lead to ongoing pelvic pain, trouble having kids, or an ectopic pregnancy, where the baby grows outside the womb, which is really dangerous.
For blokes, untreated Chlamydia can inflame the tube behind the testicles (called epididymitis), causing pain and, rarely, fertility issues. It can also hit the throat, anus, or eyes; especially from unprotected oral or anal sex or if you touch an infected spot and then your eyes. Plus, pregnant women with Chlamydia might pass it to their baby during birth, which could mean eye infections or pneumonia for the little one.
All these risks show why silent Chlamydia is a worry for public health. No symptoms doesn’t mean no danger, so regular testing is the only way to catch it before it messes you up for good.
Why Testing is a Must?
Since heaps of people have silent Chlamydia, getting tested regularly is a must if you’re sexually active. The Aussie STI Guidelines say you should get a sexual health check every year, especially if you’re under 30, ’cause that’s the group most at risk. But Medicare stats show only 12–13% of young women and 3–4% of young blokes get tested each year for Chlamydia, which means heaps of cases are slipping through the cracks.
Getting tested isn’t just about looking after yourself; it’s also about stopping Chlamydia from spreading. People with no symptoms can still pass it on to their partners without knowing, which keeps the infection going round and round. If you catch it early with a test, you can get treated with antibiotics super quick, which is easy and works a treat. That way, you avoid any nasty complications and don’t pass it on to anyone else.
How Chlamydia Testing Works
Testing for Chlamydia is straightforward, accessible, and non-invasive, making it easy to incorporate into routine healthcare. Tests can be conducted at general practice clinics, sexual health centres, or even some pharmacies. Getting tested for Chlamydia is dead easy and doesn’t hurt a bit, so it’s simple to fit into your regular health checks. You can get tested at your local GP, a sexual health clinic, or even some chemists. The main ways to test are:
- Urine Samples: Both blokes and women can just pee in a cup, quick and no fuss.
- Swabs: Women might need a swab from the cervix or vagina, and men might need one from the urethra. If there’s a chance you could’ve been exposed in the throat or bum, they can swab those spots too.
Simpler ways
There are also self-collection kits for vaginal or bum swabs, which are great ‘cause you can do them yourself and they’re less awkward. The best tests are Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs); they’re super accurate and can even be done outside of a clinic.
If your test comes back positive, it’s really important to let your sexual partners know so they can get tested too; that way, you don’t end up passing it back and forth. Your healthcare provider can help with contact tracing, which means making sure everyone who’s been exposed gets tested and treated. It’s all about stopping the infection from spreading further.
| Testing Method | Description | Who Can Use It | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urine Sample | A simple urine test to detect Chlamydia DNA | Men and women | Non-invasive, quick, widely available |
| Cervical/Vaginal Swab or Pap Smear | A swab from the cervix or vagina | Women | Highly accurate, self-collection option |
| Urethral Swab | A swab from the urethra | Men | Accurate for detecting infection |
| Throat/Anorectal Swab | Swabs from throat or anus | Men and women | Tests less common infection sites |
Preventing Chlamydia
Testing’s important, but prevention’s just as big a deal when it comes to keeping Chlamydia under control. Chuck on a condom or another barrier for vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and you’ll slash your risk heaps. They’re not foolproof though. Chlamydia can still pop up in spots like your throat or bum that aren’t covered.
Here’s some extra tips to stay safe:
- Keep It Tight: Fewer partners means less chance of running into it.
- Check Yourself: Get a test after a new partner or at least once a year if you’re getting around.
- Have a Yarn: Chat with your partners about STIs so you’re both clued up.
- Hold Off If Dodgy: If you or your partner spot any STI signs, skip the action till you’ve seen a doc.
Knowing what’s what is half the fight. Aussie sites like Better Health Channel and SHINE SA are ripper for sorting out your sexual health know-how.
Take Control of Your Health
Chlamydia that doesn’t show symptoms is a sneaky little bugger hitting thousands of Aussies every year. Since it’s so quiet, regular testing’s a must, especially if you’re under 30. With nearly 97,000 cases picked up annually, and heaps more probably slipping through, the need to get tested is massive. It’s a quick job that can stop nasty stuff like infertility later on, keeping you and your partners in top shape.
Don’t hang about waiting for signs, silent Chlamydia is just as bad news. Book a sexual health check with your GP or local clinic today. Your future self (and your mates) will be stoked you did. We also suggest you take a look at our guide to boost sexual health.