Chlamydia
STIs can be frequent amongst guys who have sex with guys, and the most common of those is an infection called chlamydia. Chlamydia is passed on through oral sex, fucking and getting fucked, and can affect the throat, the urethra (penis or front hole) and arse.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of chlamydia are variable. For many guys it can go unnoticed, especially if the infection is in the throat or arse, which is why it’s important to test for STIs regularly if you’re sexually active.
Symptoms can appear anywhere between two to 21 days and range from being mildly annoying or even painful. Some symptoms include:
- A white, cloudy or watery discharge from the tip of your dick
- Itching, discomfort or a ‘burning sensation’ when you piss
- Pain, swelling and redness of the balls
- Pain, burning, redness, tingling or itching along the urethra (penis or front hole)
- Pain, discharge or bleeding from your arse
How to get tested for chlamydia?
To get tested, you will need to do a swab of your arse and/or throat, and a urine test or urethral swab to test for a urethral infection.
You can get tested with your doctor, sexual health clinic or if you are in Sydney book at a[TEST] which is a fast, free and confidential rapid HIV test and STI screening service for gay guys. Find where to test near you.
Keep in mind that while you can be tested for chlamydia at a[TEST], it’s an asymptomatic clinic, which means an STI test won’t be performed if you’re showing symptoms and they cannot provide you with treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of chlamydia, make sure you visit your doctor or sexual health clinic.
How is it treated?
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. If you have been diagnosed with chlamydia it’s also important to tell your recent sexual partner(s), as they may need to be tested and treated. If you don’t feel comfortable telling them in person or over the phone, you can take advantage of our free ‘Let them know’ SMS service here.
How can I reduce the risk of contracting chlamydia?
We’re glad you asked. The best way to reduce the risk of getting – or passing on – chlamydia is by using condoms! So, make sure that when you play, always have some condoms close by, not for just you and him, but also any sex toys you may use. It’s also a good idea to wash your body parts between play, and if you are playing with more than one guy to rinse out your mouth, genitals and arse between partners.
What if I’m HIV positive?
If you’re poz and you’re on treatment, chlamydia will not affect you any differently than it would for a neg guy. However, if you’re a poz guy with chlamydia and you are not on HIV treatment, chlamydia can increase the risk of HIV transmission to your HIV negative sexual partner(s). So, for added protection it’s always a good idea to use condoms to ensure you and your partner(s) stay safe.
If I’m on PrEP, how will chlamydia affect me?
While PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, it doesn’t provide any protection against chlamydia. Condoms remain the most effective way to protect you from chlamydia and other STIs.
FAST FACTS ABOUT CHLAMYDIA
- Chlamydia can be transmitted through fucking, getting fucked, oral sex, arse play, fingering and fisting
- Transmission can happen even when no symptoms are present
- If you have symptoms, they can affect your general well-being and health
- Chlamydia can affect anyone of any age
- Chlamydia can occur more than once in someone
- The best way to avoid getting chlamydia is by using condoms whenever you have sexual contact with another guy