Chlamydia: symptoms, transmission and protective measures

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. The problem: many people do not know they are infected. In approximately 70% of cases in women and 50% of cases in men, no symptoms appear, which makes the infection so dangerous. Without realizing it, you can pass on chlamydia or suffer long-term health damage.

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to infertility, chronic inflammation, or pregnancy complications. Therefore, it is all the more important to get tested regularly and practice safe sex with condoms. Even if the infection does not cause symptoms, it can still cause harm – and the best weapon against it is prevention.

For comprehensive information on sexually transmitted infections and protective measures, it is worth taking a look at our detailed overview.

How is chlamydia transmitted?

Chlamydia is highly contagious and is mainly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. It doesn’t matter whether it’s vaginal, anal, or oral sex – the risk of infection exists in all cases. The insidious thing about chlamydia is that even if your partner has no visible symptoms, the infection can still be transmitted. That’s why regular tests and safe sex are so important.

Did you know that chlamydia can also be transmitted through oral sex? Many people mistakenly believe that oral sex is safer than other sexual practices. However, chlamydia can also settle in the throat and cause an infection there, even without obvious symptoms such as a sore throat. Therefore, you should also take protective measures during oral sex, such as using condoms or dental dams.

Where does chlamydia come from without intercourse?

Although chlamydia infections are mainly transmitted through sexual contact, theoretically  there are other ways of being infected, although very rare. Under certain circumstances, transmission is also possible without direct sexual intercourse.

One example is a smear infection, in which the bacteria are transferred to mucous membranes via contaminated hands or objects – for example, by touching infected genital areas or using unclean sex toys.

Another possible route of transmission is perinatal infection, where an infected mother transmits the bacteria to her baby during childbirth. This can cause severe eye inflammation or lung infections in newborns. Therefore, pregnant women should be tested early on in their pregnancy to prevent infection.

Overview of transmission routes

• Unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, oral)
• Smear infections (through hands or sex toys)
• Transmission from mother to child during childbirth
• Contact with infected mucous membranes or bodily fluids

Although the most common way of transmission is through sexual contact, this does not mean an infection is always noticed immediately. Even if no symptoms appear, you can still be contagious. That’s why it’s crucial to get tested regularly and take protective measures.

Symptoms of chlamydia: how to recognize an infection

A chlamydia infection often goes unnoticed for a long time, as it often causes mild or no symptoms. That makes this infection so dangerous: people often don’t know they are infected and can unknowingly pass it on. The first symptoms usually appear weeks after infection, when the bacteria have already spread in the body. Typical symptoms such as a burning sensation when urinating or unusual discharge are often overlooked or mistaken for other infections. If untreated, this can lead to serious complications. Especially for women, the risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancies, or chronic pelvic inflammation increases.

How does chlamydia manifest in women? 

In women, chlamydia symptoms often go unnoticed or are vague. But even without symptoms, the infection can spread to the internal reproductive organs. The bacteria migrate from the cervix to the fallopian tubes, where they can cause inflammation and scarring – a common cause of infertility or ectopic pregnancies.

If symptoms occur, they usually include:

• Unusual discharge, often heavy, thin, or discoloured
• Pain or burning when urinating, often mistaken for a bladder infection
• Intermenstrual bleeding or heavy menstruation
• Pain during intercourse: possibly a sign of cervical inflammation
• Abdominal pain, if the infection has spread to the uterus or fallopian tubes
• In advanced cases, fever, general malaise, or lower back pain may also occur.

Particularly risky: if a woman becomes infected with chlamydia during pregnancy, it can lead to premature birth or complications during childbirth. There is also a risk that the baby will become infected during birth, which can cause severe eye or lung infections in newborns.

How does chlamydia manifest in men?

Men can also become infected with chlamydia, but often have only mild or no symptoms. Many only realize they are infected when a urinary tract infection or other complaints develop.

The most common symptoms in men are:

• Discharge from the urethra, often clear to milky and noticeable mainly in the morning
• Pain or burning when urinating: can be mistaken for a bladder infection
• Itching, redness, or swelling of the penis
• Pain or pressure in the testicles – a sign of epididymitis

Without treatment, the infection can spread to the testicles and cause painful inflammation. In severe cases, infertility can occur if the bacteria cause scarring of the vas deferens.

Prevention & protection: why condoms are so important

The best protection against chlamydia? Condoms! They form a physical barrier between bodily fluids and mucous membranes and thus significantly reduce the risk of infection. Because chlamydia is particularly insidious (since it often shows no symptoms), safe sex is the most effective way to protect yourself and your partners.

Condoms are not only important during vaginal sex

Many people underestimate the risk of contracting chlamydia through oral or anal sex. The bacteria can also colonize the throat or rectum, often without noticeable symptoms. Therefore:

• During vaginal and anal sex: use condoms to avoid direct contact with mucous membranes.
• During oral sex: men should use condoms, women can protect themselves with dental dams.

Tip: there are also flavoured condoms specially designed for oral sex.

Correct condom use: small mistakes with big consequences

A condom can only offer reliable protection if used correctly. However, many people unknowingly make mistakes that significantly reduce protection. Here you can read how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if you have problems using condoms. 

Choose the right size

• A condom that’s too tight can tear.
• A condom that’s too loose can slip off.
• The right size ensures safety and comfort.
• Find out which condom size is perfect for you!

Use the right lubricant

• Water-based or silicone-based lubricants are ideal.
• Oil-based products (e.g., massage oil, petroleum jelly) make latex brittle – condoms can tear!

Store condoms correctly

• Heat and light can damage the material: don’t store them in the glove compartment or your pocket.
• Always check the expiration date: expired condoms are unsafe!

Did you know? Incorrect condom application is one of the most common reasons for failure. It must be rolled on the right way: if you put it on incorrectly, discard it immediately and use a new one. That’s why there are Wingman condoms with an innovative clip that ensures the condom is always the right way round and can be applied quickly – even with just one hand. If you use a traditional condom, you can find more information on how to put on a condom correctly here.

Additional protective measures for maximum safety

Condoms offer a high level of protection, but for even better prevention, also pay attention to the following measures:

• Regular STI tests, especially with changing partners.
• Don’t share sex toys – or always put a new condom on them.
• Wash your hands and intimate areas after sex: this reduces the risk of smear infections.

In short: condoms are one of the most effective protective measures against chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections – but only if used correctly and combined with other preventive measures!

Chlamydia test and treatment: what to do if you suspect infection?

Because chlamydia often causes no symptoms, many infections remain undetected for a long time. Those who have had unprotected sex or have multiple partners should get tested regularly. Only this way can you be sure you are not unknowingly infected and can minimize the risk of infecting others.

A chlamydia test is simple, quick, and painless. Depending on the method, a urine sample or a swab (e.g., from the urethra, vagina, or throat) is taken.

Where can you get tested?

• At the gynecologist, urologist, GP or doctor - here, diagnosis is usually made through laboratory testing.
• At health services and test centers: some offer anonymous or free tests.
• With a self-test for home use: these tests are available online or in pharmacies, but results should be confirmed by laboratory analysis.

Good to know: a chlamydia test is free at the GGD if you belong to a risk group, such as being under 25, a man who has sex with men, or working in prostitution.

How is chlamydia treated?

The good news: chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. Usually, a single dose or a short course of antibiotics lasting a few days is enough to completely remove the bacteria.

Important:

• Your partner must also be treated, even without symptoms, otherwise there’s a risk of reinfection (“ping-pong effect”).
• During treatment, avoid sexual intercourse to prevent further transmission.
• A few weeks after treatment, a new test may be useful to ensure full recovery.

Protect yourself against chlamydia 

Chlamydia is one of the most common and at the same time most insidious sexually transmitted infections. Many people do not notice they are infected, as symptoms often don't appear or appear late. But untreated infection can have serious consequences: from inflammation to infertility. Therefore, regular tests and safe sex with condoms are the best ways to protect yourself and others.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Use condoms during all forms of sex, including oral sex.
• Get tested regularly, especially if you have multiple partners.
• Act immediately if you suspect infection: early treatment prevents long-term effects.

Practice safe sex and try the Wingman sample pack and see for yourself how simple, safe and comfortable protection can be!