TellChlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI in New Zealand. Many people have no symptoms at all.
Symptoms
- Often no symptoms
- Pain when urinating
- Unusual discharge from the penis, vagina, or rectum
- Pain during sex or in the lower abdomen
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
How it spreads
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom
- Sharing sex toys without cleaning or covering them
- Can be passed from mother to baby during birth
Testing
Usually a urine sample or a self-collected swab from the vagina, throat, or rectum depending on the type of sex you have had. NAAT testing is standard in NZ labs.
Treatment
Usually cured with a single dose of antibiotics (e.g. azithromycin) or a short course of doxycycline. Sexual partners also need treatment.
What to do next
Get tested at your GP, sexual health clinic, or Family Planning. Testing is often free at public sexual health services.
Retest in 3 months if you have ongoing risk. Avoid unprotected sex until 7 days after you and your partners have started treatment.