What Is Oral Chlamydia?

Sometimes tonsil stones can cause symptoms such as bad breath, an irritated throat, or trouble swallowing–all of which could be misinterpreted as oral chlamydia. However, this is a misunderstanding that can easily be explained with a brief run-down of the basics of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as chlamydia.

Definition of Oral Chlamydia 

Chlamydia is caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis which can result in infections of the penis, vagina, urinary tract, throat and rectum. Oral chlamydia is the type of chlamydia specifically located in the throat. According to The Centers for Disease Control, chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, with over 2 million reports every year within the United States.

Method of Transmission

Oral chlamydia can be acquired by participating in unprotected oral sex with an infected person. The area of infection can include the penis, vagina or rectum. However, to the surprise of many, it is not possible to contract chlamydia by kissing. This is a common but understandable misconception. Transmission can be prevented with the use of dental dams and condoms to act as a barrier against bacterial infection. If you or your partner(s) should contract chlamydia, both parties must get tested for the infection. This will avoid any potential re-infections in the future.   

Symptoms 

It is surprising to many people when they hear that oral chlamydia usually does not exhibit symptoms–a characteristic which is also termed as asymptomatic. Since it is typically without symptoms, many individuals do not know to get tested, which prevents prompt treatment. This can cause complications such as the spread of the infection to others and pelvic inflammatory disease. When symptoms are exhibited, the CDC states that they are generally in the form of a sore or irritated throat. 

This is why someone may confuse tonsillitis with chlamydia or believe that one causes the other. While both may lead to a sore throat, and both chlamydia and tonsillitis are types of infections, there is no concrete scientific evidence establishing a relationship between the two. At the end of the day, if you should have concerns about your overall health make sure to get in touch with your healthcare provider. 

Treatment 

The key to treating this STI is getting tested as soon as possible. While this infection can easily be cured, complications can arise if it is left untreated. As explained by the CDC, living with this infection can raise the risk of contracting HIV–a type of STD without a cure. Chlamydia of the genitals or rectum can also be passed from mother to child during the birthing process. This type of bacteria can easily be passed onto your partner(s) as well.

To avoid this type of STI, it is recommended by the CDC that all sexually active persons be tested. If you should have genital chlamydia, Priority STD can provide easy and private testing to ensure that you get accurate results. While some services may mandate uncomfortable swab tests, Priority STD only requires a simple urine or blood sample for all testings. If the test should come back positive, antibiotics can be prescribed by a medical professional to cure the infection. Take charge of your sexual health today by getting in contact with our professional and discrete support team.