What does an oral Chlamydia infection look like?

Unlike most Chlamydia infections, which affect the genital area, oral Chlamydia refers to infections in the throat.

Oral Chlamydia occurs when Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria (the bacteria that cause Chlamydia) infect the mucous membranes in your mouth and throat.

Chlamydia infections are site-specific, meaning the symptoms tend to be located where the infection is contracted. You can have a genital Chlamydia infection and not have an oral Chlamydia infection, or an oral infection and not a genital infection or both.  For completeness, you can also have an anal infection if you receive anal sex.

As for prevalence, oral Chlamydia is less common than genital Chlamydia, but it’s not rare. The exact statistics can vary depending on the population and region. However, it’s estimated that, of people who report to a sexual health clinic, about 1.5% have an oral Chlamydia infection.

To get an oral Chlamydia infection, Chlamydia bacteria must come in contact with the mucous membranes in your throat.

The most common way this happens is when you perform oral sex on a male or female partner who has an existing genital Chlamydia infection.

You can also get an oral Chlamydia infection by performing oral-anal stimulation on someone who has an anal Chlamydia infection, though this is relatively rare.

Since Chlamydia infections are more common when bacteria get “forced” into your throat, giving oral sex to a penis is a much more potent route of transmission than performing oral sex on female genitals or the anus.

Despite common conceptions about Chlamydia, you can’t get it from kissing, even if the person you kiss has an existing infection in their throat.

Oral Chlamydia can often be difficult to detect due to its subtle or even non-existent symptoms. Pharyngeal symptoms are far more likely to be caused by other conditions, like strep throat or the common cold. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Sore throat: This is one of the most common symptoms and tends to be a mild discomfort.
• Pain while swallowing: Some people may experience pain or discomfort while swallowing, similar to strep throat.
• Cough: A persistent cough can also be a symptom of oral Chlamydia.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as the common cold.

Most genital Chlamydia infections are detected by testing a urine sample.

However, because an oral Chlamydia infection is located in the throat, a urine sample won’t contain the bacteria needed for detection.

For this reason, Better2Know uses a throat swab to test for oral Chlamydia infections. The swab collects a sample of the affected area and tests it for the presence of the bacteria.

Chlamydia infections are treated with antibiotics.

When you get tested with Better2Know, we will connect you with a doctor who can help you access the medication you’ll need to clear the infection.

The best way to avoid getting an oral Chlamydia infection is to barrier contraception. Condoms and dental dams are effective barrier methods that will help prevent the bacteria from spreading.

Use your best judgment about what sexual acts to participate in and consider how it may affect you and your partner.

Oral Chlamydia infections are relatively rare, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously.

If you’re experiencing the possible symptoms of oral Chlamydia, or you think you may have been in a situation that puts you at risk of the infection, click the button below to book a test with Better2Know at a sexual health clinic near you.

This article had been medically reviewed by Dr. Steve Chapman, 29/07/2024.