Transmission of Chlamydia

Sexually active women and men can get chlamydia through sexual contact with an infected person. This STD can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Because there are often no symptoms, people who are infected may unknowingly pass the bacteria to their sex partners. Chlamydia can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Babies born to infected mothers can get chlamydial infections in their eyes and respiratory tracts.

The more sex partners a person has, the greater the risk of getting infected with chlamydia. Chlamydia often occurs together with gonorrhea, another STD. Gonorrhea and chlamydia have similar symptoms and can have similar complications if not treated.