Quick answer
Yes, it is possible for only one person in a relationship to have chlamydia. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be passed between sexual partners through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If one partner has chlamydia but the other partner does not, it is possible for the infected partner to transmit chlamydia to the uninfected partner through sexual contact.
How can only one partner get infected?
There are a few potential scenarios where one partner may get infected with chlamydia while the other partner does not:
- One partner had unprotected sex with someone else outside of the relationship and contracted chlamydia before having sex with their primary partner.
- One partner had chlamydia prior to the start of the relationship from a previous partner, but the infection was dormant and untreated.
- One partner engaged in risky sexual behavior like sex without a condom, while the other did not.
- One partner does not get tested regularly for STIs while the other does.
- One partner may have contracted chlamydia during oral or anal sex, while the other has only had vaginal sex.
- If a female partner had chlamydia in the throat or rectum, a male partner may not have contracted it from vaginal sex.
The incubation period for chlamydia can be up to 2 weeks after exposure before symptoms appear. So it’s possible for one partner to have recently contracted chlamydia while the other, not knowing about the exposure, has not yet become infected.
How do you get infected with chlamydia?
Chlamydia is spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. Risk factors include:
- Having a new sex partner
- Having multiple sex partners
- Having sex without a condom
- Engaging in risky sexual behaviors like sex work
- Having a sexual partner who has an STI
You can get chlamydia during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. The bacteria live in semen (cum), pre-cum, vaginal fluids, and rectal fluids.
If infected fluids come into contact with your genitals, mouth, anus, eyes, or throat, you can contract chlamydia. Unprotected sex is the primary way STIs spread.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
Many people with chlamydia don’t experience symptoms or have very mild symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may show up between 1 to 3 weeks after exposure.
In women:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Burning/itching around the vagina
- Pain or discomfort during sex or urination
- Bleeding between periods
- Lower abdominal pain
In men:
- Burning/itching at the opening of the penis
- Discharge or fluid from the penis
- Painful urination
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles
Rectal infections may cause discharge, itching, bleeding, or discomfort in both men and women.
You can have chlamydia for months or even years and not know it if symptoms are mild. That’s why regular STI testing is important, especially if you have new or multiple partners.
How do you test for chlamydia?
Chlamydia testing often involves a medical provider taking a swab sample from the penis, vagina, or rectum. The sample is then tested for the presence of chlamydia bacteria.
Some common chlamydia tests include:
- Urine test – You provide a urine sample that is analyzed.
- Urethral swab – A thin swab is inserted into the urethra to collect a sample.
- Vaginal swab – A swab collects discharge from the vagina.
- Rectal swab – A swab collects discharge from the rectum.
- Throat swab – A swab collects discharge from the throat.
A blood test can also check for chlamydia antibodies in your bloodstream signaling current or past infection.
Annual chlamydia screening is recommended by healthcare providers for sexually active women under 25. Screening is also advised for older women with risk factors like new or multiple sex partners.
What happens if chlamydia is left untreated?
If chlamydia is left untreated, it can lead to major health complications:
In women:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Scarring of the fallopian tubes
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Chronic pelvic pain
In men:
- Epididymitis – inflammation of the tubes carrying sperm
- Infertility
Chlamydia can also spread to other body parts causing reactive arthritis, conjunctivitis, or lymphogranuloma venereum if left untreated.
That’s why it’s critical to get tested and receive treatment as soon as possible if you test positive for chlamydia or suspect you may have it. The long-term consequences are too great to ignore.
What is the treatment for chlamydia?
Chlamydia is easily cured with common antibiotics prescribed by a medical provider.
Treatment guidelines recommend:
- Azithromycin – Taken as 1-2 pills by mouth in a single dose. Most common treatment.
- Doxycycline – Taken as 2 pills by mouth daily for 1 week.
It is critical to avoid having sex for 7 days after starting chlamydia antibiotics. All sex partners should also be notified, tested, and treated to prevent reinfection and further spread.
You should be re-tested around 3 months after finishing treatment to confirm the chlamydia bacteria is gone. Even if your symptoms resolve, finishing the full antibiotic regimen is vital.
How to prevent getting chlamydia
Here are some key ways to lower your chances of getting infected with chlamydia:
- Use condoms correctly every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
- Limit your number of sexual partners.
- Get tested for STIs regularly if sexually active.
- Ask partners to get tested before sex.
- Avoid contact with infected fluids.
- Don’t engage in risky sexual behaviors.
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI in the U.S. But it can be prevented with safer sexual choices. If you are sexually active, especially with multiple partners, make screening a routine part of your health care.
Conclusion
Yes, it is definitely possible for only one person in a relationship to have chlamydia if they engaged in sex outside the relationship or contracted it prior to the relationship. Chlamydia spreads through unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner.
If one partner tests positive, a full course of antibiotics is needed along with abstaining from sex until treatment is complete. Both partners should be retested in 3 months. Without proper treatment, chlamydia can cause infertility and other complications. But it can be cured if caught early.
Protect yourself by using condoms, limiting partners, testing regularly for STIs, and communicating openly with your partner about sexual health risks. If you suspect you may have chlamydia, see a medical provider right away for proper diagnosis and care.