Chlamydia Myths
With over 6,695 cases of Chlamydia in Ireland, it is no wonder there are ‘Facts’ spreading around the web that are not 100% factual. Here’s a list of the most common Chlamydia myths and the truth behind them.
1. If a woman gets chlamydia she won’t be able to have children.
While it is true that if left untreated Chlamydia can cause infertility in women, most woman who get the STI remain reproductively normal. Just another reason why frequent STI tests are never a bad idea!
2. You will know if you have chlamydia
Although you may feel a slight burn while you pee or other common STI symptoms, chlamydia is usually asymptotic which means it can show no symptoms. If left untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health problems and infertility in women, so even if your partner says they have no symptoms its always better to test first and sex later!
3. Chlamydia is incurable/untreatable
Chlamydia is treated by a dose of antibiotics, although it is suggested to have a follow up with your doctor 3 months later to ensure the infection is gone.
4. You can’t catch chlamydia through oral sex
Almost all STIs can be caught though any form of unprotected sex and chlamydia is no exception. Chlamydia of the mouth and chlamydia of the throat are very real and very not sexy.
& finally probably the most famous myth about chlamydia…
5. You can catch chlamydia from a toilet seat
Public toilet seats may be the last thing from clean, but you cannot catch a chlamydia from them! The chlamydia bacteria can’t live outside the body for very long so as long as you practice safe sex and get tested regularly you should be fine!