Chlamydia In The Throat: Symptoms, Treatment & More

Some believe oral sex is safer than intercourse when preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Oral sex can spread several STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis.

I will discuss chlamydia and oral sex in this article. You should practice safe oral sex, ask about your sexual partner's health, and get tested for STIs to reduce the risk of contracting chlamydia in the throat.

A chlamydia infection can be cured with antibiotics in most cases, but it can also lead to ectopic pregnancy or infertility if left untreated.

If you suspect that you have chlamydia, talk to your doctor.

Find out how oral sex can cause chlamydia, the symptoms, and how to get diagnosed and treated.

Can You Get Chlamydia From Oral Sex?

Chlamydia infection is spread by contact with the mucous membranes of another person (usually the vagina, penis, or rectum).

Sexual contact without protection, whether vaginal, anal, or oral, may transmit chlamydia.

A pharyngeal chlamydia infection results from oral sex. It is widespread for chlamydia bacteria to spread from the penis to the mouth and throat in this case, which is why this is a common occurrence.

The infection can also be spread orally through contact with the vagina or anus of another person.

Chlamydia can spread through oral sex but not through kissing. Additionally, people cannot get chlamydia from sharing clothes or towels or hugging.

Symptoms Of Chlamydia 

Some people do not experience any symptoms after contracting a chlamydia throat infection. Some people may experience similar symptoms to those associated with strep throat.

These are some of the most common oral chlamydia symptoms:

• Fever
  
  
• Pain the mouth
  
  
• Redness in the mouth or throat
  
  
• Sore throat
  
  
• Mouth sores
  
  
• Sores around the lips
  
  
• Bumps on the tongue
  
  
• Dental problems
  
  
• Swollen lymph nodes
  
  
• White spots in the back of the throat or tonsils
  
  

Infection with genital chlamydia, however, can cause the following symptoms:

• Pain or swelling of the testicles
  
  
• Itching or burning
  
  
• Pain during sexual activity
  
  
• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina, including bloody discharge
  
  
• Rectal pain
  
  
• Frequent urination
  
  
• Pain or burning during urination
  
  

The symptoms of chlamydia may not appear immediately. Usually, they appear 1-3 weeks after initial sexual contact with an infected person.

Chlamydia can spread even if a person does not show symptoms.

Diagnosis

Medical attention should be sought immediately if you have symptoms of a chlamydia infection, whether it is in your throat or genital area. Chlamydia can be detected with many tests, but throat chlamydia isn't usually included in standard STI screenings. If you experience symptoms in your throat or worry about an infection after oral sex, consult your physician. Your medical provider will ask about your symptoms and sexual contact if they suspect chlamydia in the throat. If you are suspected of having chlamydia, they may swab your throat and send the sample to a lab for testing. Additionally, you may be asked to provide a urine sample, blood sample, or cheek swab for a general STD test. If you have been diagnosed with an STI, it is always a good idea to let your sexual partners know.

Treatment

Azithromycin and doxycycline are commonly prescribed as antibiotics for throat chlamydia infections. By slowing or stopping bacterial growth, antibiotics cure infections.

Wait until you finish your prescribed dose of chlamydia or throat medication, and your symptoms have entirely resolved before having oral sex or sexual intercourse.

Regardless of whether your symptoms improve or disappear, you must finish the entire course of antibiotics. The infection can return if you stop too early.

Chlamydia may be cured with antibiotic treatment, but it may recur. Since chlamydia has a high recurrence rate, it's essential to prevent further infection.

Preventing Throat Chlamydia 

Use a condom or dental dam during oral sex to prevent the spread of throat chlamydia.

Chlamydia can also be prevented by:

• STI screenings regularly
  
  
• Encourage your partner to have regular STI screenings
  
  
• When you have a sore in your mouth, avoid sexual contact
  
  
• Using latex or plastic condoms
  
  

It's best to avoid sexual contact until you have received and completed any treatment for chlamydia or any other STI.

Risks

In addition to uncomfortable symptoms, chlamydia can cause the following complications:

• Upper genital tract inflammation
  
  
• A pregnant woman's risk of preterm delivery
  
  
• Reiter's syndrome is a type of inflammatory arthritis called reactive arthritis
  
  
• Prostate gland infection
  
  
• Infertility in women
  
  
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
  
  
• Infections in newborn babies from an infected parent
  
  
• Ectopic pregnancy
  
  

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you may be experiencing any of these complications due to chlamydia. Without proper treatment, some medical issues caused by chlamydia can become irreversible.

When To See A Doctor

Health complications can result from throat chlamydia if left untreated.

You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience strep throat-like symptoms after oral sex, especially if you are pregnant.

Chlamydia and other STIs can be tested for by a healthcare provider, and other infections can be ruled out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Chlamydia In The Throat Look?

The appearance of chlamydia in the throat can vary depending on the person, but it often resembles strep throat. There may be redness in the back of your throat, white spots around your tonsils, and throat pain.

Is Throat Chlamydia Common?

Although chlamydia is one of the most common bacteria transmitted through sexual contact, throat chlamydia-which can be transmitted through oral sex-is much less common, due to the bacteria that causes the infection growing on the mucus membranes of the penis, anus, and vaginal area, chlamydia is more commonly seen in the genital area.