Yes, you can contract chlamydia from oral sex. Although the risk of transmission is generally lower than with vaginal or anal sex, chlamydia can infect the throat (pharyngeal chlamydia) through oral sexual contact with an infected partner.
### Key Points about Chlamydia and Oral Sex:
1. **Transmission Risk**:
– If someone performs oral sex on a partner with chlamydia (especially if it’s in the genital area), they can become infected.
– Pharyngeal chlamydia is often asymptomatic, meaning many people may not realize they are infected.
2. **Symptoms**:
– Many cases of pharyngeal chlamydia do not present noticeable symptoms.
– If symptoms do occur, they might include a sore throat, discomfort when swallowing, or swollen lymph nodes, but these are less common.
3. **Testing**:
– Regular testing for STIs, including chlamydia, is important if you are sexually active, especially if you have multiple partners or engage in unprotected oral sex.
4. **Prevention**:
– Using barriers such as condoms or dental dams during oral sex can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting chlamydia and other STIs.
– Maintaining open communication with sexual partners about STI testing and sexual history is crucial.
If you suspect you may have been exposed to chlamydia or are experiencing any symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for testing and appropriate treatment. Chlamydia is typically treatable with antibiotics.
