Chlamydia Prevention
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- Overview
- What It Is
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Prognosis
- Living With
- Complications
- User Questions
Take Action
- Screening
- Medications
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Alternative Treatment
- Care Guide
- Questions for Your Doctor
- When to Contact a Doctor
- Find a Doctor
- Resource Guide
How to Prevent Chlamydia
You can prevent chlamydial STDs by taking the following measures:
- Abstain from sex.
- Have a mutually monogamous, lifelong relationship.
You can reduce your risk of acquiring STDs or developing their long-term consequences by taking the following measures:
- Always use a latex condom throughout sexual activity and according to directions.
- Get checked regularly for sexually transmitted diseases, especially if you are under the age of 25.
- Get immunization for preventable sexually transmitted disease.
Other barrier methods of contraception, such as a diaphragm, may partially protect against chlamydial infection, but these methods are not even as reliable as a condom.
If you already have chlamydia, you can prevent its transmission by:
- Making sure that all sexual partners are tested and treated.
- Refraining from sexual activity until your infection is gone.
You can reduce your risk of getting infected again by helping your partner to get treatment. This may involve giving information on testing, bringing home a test kit, or giving medication from your doctor.
Other forms of chlamydia may be prevented by avoiding close contact with birds in endemic areas and by getting regular prenatal check-ups, including testing for STDs. Every newborn is routinely treated to prevent neonatal infection from either chlamydia or Gonorrhea.
