Getting chlamydia from oral sex can result in a throat infection. Keep reading to learn about other symptoms and ways to prevent it.
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can have severe health consequences if left untreated. While traditional penetrative sex is a common way to contract chlamydia, there is some confusion surrounding the risk of getting chlamydia from oral sex.
Although sexually transmitted infections generally spread through genital areas, contracting chlamydia from oral sex typically affects the throat. While the likelihood of getting chlamydia from oral sex may be low, it is still a possibility that must be addressed. Continue reading to understand what chlamydia is, its symptoms, and how to prevent chlamydia from oral sex.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria known as chlamydia trachomatis. According to obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Rohan Palshetkar, “In the early stages, this disease may not exhibit any symptoms, but in the long term, it can lead to complications. Chlamydia can be a result of unprotected sex.”
It is not limited to just penetrative sex, as skin-to-skin contact can also transmit chlamydia. Hence, oral and anal sex can also lead to chlamydia. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentions that while chlamydia can cause a throat infection, it is less common than an infection in the genital area.
Symptoms of chlamydia
One of the concerning aspects of chlamydia is its lack of noticeable symptoms. Dr. Palshetkar explains, “In men, symptoms are generally not obvious. In men, it may manifest as pain during urination, yellow or green discharge from the penis, lower abdominal or testicular pain, and sometimes, bleeding.”
Similarly, in women, symptoms may take weeks to appear. These symptoms can include painful intercourse, vaginal discharge, burning sensation during urination, and abdominal pain. Dr. Palshetkar also highlights the potential for chlamydia to spread to the fallopian tubes, leading to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and possible future infertility.
Contracting chlamydia through oral sex can result in a throat infection, with symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, and fever.
What is oral sex?
Oral sex is a sexual practice involving the stimulation of a partner’s genitals, anus, or other erogenous zones using the mouth, lips, or tongue. Sex expert Niyatii N Shah elaborates, “It encompasses various techniques such as fellatio (oral stimulation of the penis), cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the vulva), and anilingus (oral stimulation of the anus).”
The critical point to note is that engaging in unsafe oral sex can expose you to STIs and STDs.
Also read: Is oral sex safe? The answer will definitely surprise you!
How can you contract chlamydia from oral sex?
Several scenarios make it easy to contract chlamydia from oral sex. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlamydia can be transmitted if any of the following conditions are met:
- If your partner’s penis is infected with chlamydia
- If you have an infected vagina or urinary tract
- If your partner has an infected rectum (further research is required on this)
- If you have chlamydia in the throat and engage in oral sex
How is chlamydia diagnosed?
If you have had penetrative or oral sex and suspect you may have contracted an STI, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. Dr. Palshetkar explains, “Screening and diagnosis are typically straightforward. A swab or urine test can be conducted for culture to identify the bacteria.” A urine sample may not be effective if you believe you contracted chlamydia from oral sex. In such cases, a throat swab would be more suitable. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved this test. Since the throat contains numerous bacteria, detecting chlamydia may be challenging or less effective.
How to treat chlamydia?
The treatment for chlamydia is usually straightforward. Dr. Palshetkar states, “Antibiotics are typically the treatment of choice in most cases. Once diagnosed, your gynecologist will prescribe oral or IV antibiotics, which should effectively treat the infection.” Additionally, you should abstain from both penetrative and oral sex for at least a week, or until you complete your antibiotic regimen. It’s essential to be cautious as recurring chlamydia infections increase your susceptibility to the infection.
It’s worth noting that contracting chlamydia from oral sex and developing a throat infection can heighten your vulnerability to acquiring an HIV infection, as per the CDC.
What are the risks associated with oral sex?
1. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
In addition to chlamydia, there is a risk of transmitting other STIs like herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV (human papillomavirus), and HIV. Shah explains, “These diseases can be transmitted through saliva, semen, or vaginal fluids (in the case of oral sex).”
2. Genital warts
Genital warts are typically transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activities with an infected individual. Shah highlights, “This can involve vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as genital-to-genital contact.”
3. Soreness or irritation
Prolonged or aggressive oral sex might lead to soreness or irritation in the mouth, throat, or genital areas. Shah warns, “Bacteria from the oral cavity or other body parts can potentially cause infections in the genital or anal regions if proper hygiene is not maintained.”
4. Transmission of other infections
Though less common, other infections can theoretically be transmitted through oral-anal contact (anilingus).
How to prevent getting chlamydia from oral sex?
1. Communicate
Have open discussions with your partner about your sexual history, STI testing, and any concerns regarding STIs. Mutual honesty and transparency can establish a safer sexual environment.
2. Use protection
Consider using barriers like condoms or dental dams during oral sex. Condoms can cover the penis, while dental dams (or cut-open condoms) can cover the vulva or anus. This helps minimize the risk of STI transmission.
3. Regular testing
Get tested regularly for STIs, particularly if you have multiple sexual partners or engage in high-risk sexual activities. Regular testing aids in early detection and treatment of STIs, reducing the chances of further transmission.
4. Limit sexual partners
Reducing the number of sexual partners and choosing partners who have undergone STI testing can lower your exposure to infections.
5. Practice safer sex
In addition to using barriers, following other safer sex practices like avoiding contact with open wounds or lesions, and maintaining good oral hygiene, can help lower the risk of STIs during oral sex.
6. Be aware of symptoms
Stay vigilant for any unusual symptoms such as sores, itching, or discharge in the genital or oral regions. If you experience any symptoms, promptly seek medical attention for evaluation and treatment.
7. Consider vaccination
Vaccines are accessible for specific STIs like HPV (human papillomavirus) and hepatitis B. Consider getting vaccinated to protect yourself from these infections.