Health & Human services

 Know your risk: Chlamydia

Chlamydia FAQ

• What is Chlamydia?

  Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the US, California, and Los Angeles County. In Long Beach, the population with the highest rates of chlamydia are in the 20-24 age range, followed by 25-29. Additionally, having chlamydia can increase your chances of transmitting or acquiring HIV.

• How can a person get chlamydia?

  You can get chlamydia by having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with a person who has chlamydia. It is passed through contact with semen, vaginal fluids or discharge. Most people with chlamydia do not know they have it due to the absence or unnoticed symptoms, however they can still infect others. Chlamydia can infect the cervix, the urethra, the throat, or the rectum. It is also possible for an infected pregnant person to pass it on to their newborn baby during childbirth.

• What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

  Most people with chlamydia experience no symptoms. But if symptoms develop, they are often mild and may appear 1-3 weeks after being infected.
  Symptoms may include:

  • pain during urination.
  • a white, cloudy, or watery discharge from the penis.
  • increased discharge from the vagina.
  • may experience pain in the abdomen, fever, unusual heavy periods or bleeding between periods, or pain during sex

  If chlamydia is left untreated, it can spread in the reproductive organs. Untreated chlamydia can cause scarring and inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, which is a condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain and can increase the risk of a life threatening ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. Untreated chlamydia can lead to a painful infection of the testicles known as epididymitis, which can cause sterility. A newborn baby to a mother with chlamydia may develop infections in the eyes or lungs.

• What can a person do to prevent passing chlamydia?

  Using latex condoms provides excellent protection against chlamydia. The internal condom and polyurethane (plastic) condoms are equally effective. Sexually active persons under age 25 should test for chlamydia every six months to a year. If you do test positive for chlamydia refrain from sex until you and your sexual partner(s) have been treated.  Infected pregnant people should seek prenatal care early, to prevent passing chlamydia to their newborn.

• How do I get tested for chlamydia?

  To get tested for chlamydia, a person should go to a doctor or health clinic or through at-home test kit.

  • The cervix is swabbed during a pelvic exam.
  • The inside of the urethra is swabbed.
  • If you engage in oral or anal sex you should get tested for chlamydia in your throat and rectum.

  The Sexual Health Clinic offers comprehensive sexual health services Monday through Friday from 8am to 5 pm. Appointments are highly encouraged though walk-in services are available on a first come first served basis and subject to provider availability. 

  MOBILE TESTING:

  Free mobile HIV/STI Testing is provided throughout the community at various locations in Long Beach with our Mobile Testing Unit. For more information about scheduling call 562.570.4289.

  AT-HOME TESTING:

  • The Long Beach Health Department is partnering up with LA County to provide FREE At-Home Test Kits to self-test for gonorrhea & chlamydia. The take home tests are available for those who fit eligibility criteria. Eligible criteria consist of: 
    • Between the ages 12-24
    • Resident that lives in LA County & Long Beach
    • Any Person with a vagina

  STI TESTING FACILITIES: 

  Location	Date & Time	Phone
  AHF-Long Beach Wellness Center 3500 E Pacific Coast Hwy	Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: 11am-7pm	562.494.4983
  Bienestar 2690 Pacific Ave Ste. 300	Monday-Friday: 10am-7pm	866.590.6411
  CARE Clinic 1043 Elm Ave, Ste 300	Monday-Friday 8:30am-12pm 1:15pm-4:30pm	562.624.4999
  LGBTQ Center Long Beach 2017 E 4th St.	Monday-Wednesday & Friday 10am - 6pm Thursday 12pm-9pm Saturday 10am-4pm	562.270.0851

• What is treatment for chlamydia?

  Chlamydia can be treated and cured with certain antibiotics (taken orally). It takes one week for the medicine to completely cure chlamydia. Make sure both you and your sex partner(s) are cured before having sex again. Since different antibiotics cure different diseases, see a doctor before taking any medications. You should not attempt to diagnose yourself or take any medicine that was not prescribed to you. Do not share medications.

• Where can I learn more about chlamydia?

  California Department of Public Health:
  https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Chlamydia.aspx
  
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  http://www.cdc.gov/std/Chlamydia/STDFact-Chlamydia.htm

Resources

Chlamydia FAQ

HIV/STI Resource Line

Are you a health provider or community member looking for more information about HIV/STIs? Call or submit a question online below:

 Online HIV/STI Resource Line
 (562) 570-4321 Available M-F, 8-5 pm

Any information that you share is 100% confidential