In New Brunswick, at least one in 10 women and one in 20 men aged 20 to 24 have had chlamydia. Who knew? Now you do. So why take the chance? Always practise safe sex. If you have had unprotected sex – get tested. It is as easy as peeing in a bottle!
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection. It is the most common illness reported to Public Health in New Brunswick and to health authorities in Canada. It particularly affects people 15 to 29, males and females. Chlamydia is being called the silent epidemic because most people affected do not have symptoms and keep transmitting the infection to others.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STBBIs). It is caused by the bacterium (a germ) Chlamydia trachomatis.
Symptoms
It can take two to six weeks for symptoms to appear. More than 50 per cent of infected males and 70 per cent of infected females do not have any symptoms and are unaware of their condition. Refer to our fact sheet for a complete list of symptoms.
Facts:
- In New Brunswick, one in 10 females and one in 20 males have had chlamydia
- 70 per cent of females infected with chlamydia do not have any symptoms
- 50 per cent of males infected with chlamydia do not have any symptoms
- It can take two to six weeks for symptoms to appear
- Chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women and infection of the testes and prostate in men.
- The bacteria causing chlamydia can also infect your throat, your rectum and also your newborn’s eyes
- Untreated chlamydia can live in your body for months or even years
- If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to infertility in females and sterility in males
- Testing can be as simple as a urine test
- Chlamydia can be cured