Chlamydia concern
Question
I heard that chlamydia can be passed from a mother to her baby but I've also heard that if you have had no sexual contact, you can't have chlamydia. Can you get chlamydia from your mother? Could you still be a virgin but have the infection?
Answer
Chlamydia can be very easily passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Sometimes it only takes close physical contact to spread so it is possible to be a virgin and have chlamydia. There is no evidence to show that it can be passed on from toilet seats, sharing towels or cups.
When chlamydia is passed on to the baby at birth, this affects the baby in a different way to someone who catches it through sex or close sexual contact. An infected mother can pass it on to her babies' eyes at birth. It can also be spread from genitals to eyes on the fingers.
A virgin who has not experienced any sexual contact will not have been able to pick up a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But there are also some infections that are not necessarily sexually transmitted at all.
People who have an infection sometimes get symptoms to show that something is wrong. But often they don't. Where there are symptoms, these may include: unusual discharge from the vagina or penis; heavy periods or bleeding between periods; pain or burning sensation when passing urine; rashes, itching or tingling around the genitals or anus.
If you are worried that you may have an infection, you can get free, confidential advice and testing at a genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Tests for infections vary: some involve taking swabs from the penis; others involve taking a urine or blood sample. Before being tested it is usual to see a health adviser who will discuss any concerns, and reassure you about what the tests will involve.
It is common to feel nervous at the thought of being tested for an infection, but it is important to remember that most infections are easily treatable. Delaying treatment could mean that an infection gets worse and other problems could occur.
If you want to discuss your situation further, you can call the Brook Freephone Helpline on 0800 0185 023.
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