4 minutes read4 minutes readMost people have heard of Chlamydia, the STI that can infect the genitals. But did you know that you can also get a Chlamydia infection in your throat? Like many sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it’s important to understand how Chlamydia behaves so you can spot Oral Chlamydia symptoms when you have them.
In this article, we’ll cover what oral Chlamydia is, how you get it, the symptoms, and how you can get treated. Keep reading to find out more.
What is oral Chlamydia?
Unlike most Chlamydia infections, which affect the genital area, 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. You can also have an anal infection if you receive anal sex from a penis infected with Chlamydia.
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.
Better2Know has seen similar numbers. Globally, around 1.5% of all Better2Know testing packages included a throat swab for either Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea.
Chlamydia testing for the throat is not part of routine STI screening, which is why oral STIs often go undiagnosed.
How do you get oral Chlamydia?
To contract Chlamydia of this sort, 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. It’s more common when oral sex is performed on men. This way, the bacteria on the infected penis have more prolonged contact with the mucous membranes in the mouth.
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.
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.
What are the symptoms of an oral Chlamydia infection?
Oral Chlamydia can often be difficult to detect due to its subtle or even non-existent symptoms. Symptoms of Oral Chlamydia typically appear 2–14 days after exposure and are often mistaken for a common cold.
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
A sore throat is the primary symptom of Oral Chlamydia when symptoms occur. It tends to be a mild discomfort. If you have a persistent sore throat that does not respond to treatment and have had unprotected oral sex, consider getting tested for Oral Chlamydia.
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.
How can I get tested for oral Chlamydia?
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.
How do I treat oral Chlamydia?
Chlamydia infections are treated with antibiotics, which may be given as a single dose or over a longer course.
When you get tested with Better2Know, we’ll connect you with a doctor who can help you access the medication you’ll need to clear the infection. Getting tested will also help your recent sexual partners stay safe and protect their health.
If the results of your Chlamydia test are positive, you should inform any recent sexual partners so that they can also undergo testing and receive treatment if necessary. After treatment, it’s important to avoid sexual contact until you and your partner have completed treatment and tests show you no longer have the infection.
How can I avoid getting oral Chlamydia?
The best way to avoid getting an oral Chlamydia infection is to use barrier contraception, especially when having oral sex. Condoms and dental dams are effective barrier methods that will help prevent bacteria from spreading during most kinds of sexual contact.
Use your best judgment about what sexual acts to participate in and consider how they may affect you and your sexual partner.
Final thoughts
Oral Chlamydia infections are relatively rare, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously.
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of oral Chlamydia, or you think you may have been in a situation that puts you at risk of other sexually transmitted infections, click the button below to book a test with Better2Know at a sexual health clinic near you.
This article originally appeared on 21/06/2024. Last updated 13/03/2026.
This article had been medically reviewed by Dr. Steve Chapman, 29/07/2024.
