Chlamydia Infection Explained for Africans With Prevention Tips

By Isma Butt, DPT. DLHA Volunteer and Freelance Medical Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA Team.

December 10, 2025

An image of a young black couple sitting close together discussing. They look visibly worried and distressed.  .

 

Highlights

• Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection. Most men and women who have it often do not have any complaints, which makes the condition a serious one when left untreated. 

• It is highly prevalent in Africa but remains often underdiagnosed due to a lack of symptoms, stigma, and limited healthcare access.

• Untreated chlamydia can cause infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and increase HIV risk.

• Early diagnosis through simple testing and effective antibiotic treatment can cure chlamydia.

• Prevention focuses on condom use, regular STI screening, education, and breaking social stigma.

• Increasing healthcare access and raising awareness are key to controlling chlamydia in African communities.

 

Introduction

Chlamydia infection is among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) around the globe. Often called a ‘silent epidemic’, it frequently causes no noticeable symptoms, allowing the infection to spread without people knowing they have it. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 128.5 million new chlamydia infections occurred globally in 2020 among people aged 15 -49 years.

In Africa, chlamydia remains a significant yet often overlooked public health concern. Limited awareness, infrequent screening, and stigma surrounding sexual health contribute to its continued spread.

This article explains what chlamydia is, how it affects the body, how it is transmitted, and the steps that can be taken to prevent, treat and control it. Improved knowledge of the condition coupled with regular testing are essential to reducing infection rates and protecting the sexual health of people.

 

What is Chlamydia?

Cartoon illustration of the male and female reproductive tracts with inserts of the chlamydia bacteria (germ) shown in a typical cell of the tracts.

 

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by a germ (organism) called Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads mainly through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Pregnant women with the condition can also pass it to their babies during childbirth.

Unlike some STIs with obvious symptoms, chlamydia often shows no signs. Many infected individuals are unaware of their condition, which allows the disease to spread easily.

In Africa, especially in sub-Saharan regions, chlamydia is common among young adults and women of reproductive age. Most people don't realise they carry the disease, so it often goes undetected and leads to more serious health problems.

 

Chlamydia in Africa: A growing public health concern

Millions of people are infected with chlamydia annually in Africa. Studies show an increasing number of infection cases in Eastern and Southern Africa, with many new cases diagnosed each year.

The highest burden is often seen in areas where HIV is also common, because the risk factors for both conditions overlap. Despite its impact, chlamydia remains underreported due to limited screening services, social stigma, and lack of awareness.

Challenges, such as weak healthcare systems, cultural barriers, and poor access to routine health check-ups, especially in rural areas, make the problem worse. Many infected individuals do not receive timely care, which exposes them to the risk of developing complications. 

 

Who is at risk?

Chlamydia infection mainly affects sexually active people, especially young adults between the ages of 15 and 24. Women are more affected by chlamydia than men because the infection often stays hidden and can cause serious damage to the reproductive system if untreated. 

Those most affected include people:

• Having multiple sexual partners.
• Having unprotected sex (not using condoms).
• Having other STIs.
• Who have limited access to sexual health education and services.
• Having financial handicaps to access healthcare.

Vulnerable Group:

These other categories of people are also affected more:

• Pregnant women
• Men who have sex with men (MSM)
• People living with HIV or receiving HIV treatment 

These individuals should always use protective measures during sex and undergo routine testing to prevent complications.

 

How do you or your doctor know if you have Chlamydia?

Info poster: Chowing chlamydia symptoms and signs. Click on image to enlarge.

 

Chlamydia infection mainly affects sexually active people, especially young adults between the ages of 15 and 24. Women are more susceptible to it than men because the infection often stays hidden and can cause serious damage to the reproductive system if untreated.

In women:

• Unusual vaginal discharge with a foul smell
• Frequent urination
• Burning or pain during urination
• Presence of pus in the urine
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
• Pain during sex

In men:

• Mucus-like or watery discharge from the penis
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Pain or swelling of the testicles

Other possible sites of infection:

• Rectum: pain, discharge, or bleeding. 
• Eyes (chlamydial conjunctivitis): redness, irritation or discharge 
• Throat: sore throat or mild infection after oral sex.

Because most cases are asymptomatic, affected individuals often do not seek care until complications arise.

 

How is Chlamydia diagnosed?

As the majority of individuals infected with chlamydia do not show symptoms, regular screening is vital, especially for sexually active young people and high-risk groups such as sex workers.

Common tests include:

• A simple urine test.
• Swab samples from the cervix (women), urethra (men), rectum, or throat.

These samples are examined in a laboratory using methods such as Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). These tests are highly accurate, detecting even small traces of the bacteria.

Screening programs in Africa are limited, but they're expanding, particularly in urban areas and HIV clinics. The screening process is confidential, and healthcare providers encourage people to undergo routine sexual health check-ups.

 

How is Chlamydia Treated?

Chlamydia can be treated easily using antibiotics. The recommended treatment protocols are: 

• Azithromycin, usually given as a single dose.
• Doxycycline, taken twice daily for seven days.

Treatment is effective, but it is important to:

• Complete the full course of antibiotics.
• Avoid sexual activity until treatment is completed and partners are tested.
• Inform you partner(s) so they can get tested and treated.

If symptoms persist or reinfection occurs, see a healthcare provider for re-evaluation.

 

What are the health effects of untreated chlamydia infection?

 

Info poster: Showing health effects of untreated Chlamydia infection. Click on image to enlarge.

 

If left untreated, chlamydia infection can have serious and lasting effects on health.

In women:

The infection can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a serious condition of the female reproductive organs that can result in:

• Infertility due to damage or scarring of the fallopian tubes.
• Chronic pelvic pain.
• Ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilised egg develops outside the womb (uterus). This can be life-threatening.

In men:

• Untreated chlamydia may lead to epididymitis, an inflammation and swelling of the tube that carries sperm, which can also affect fertility.

Other effects:

• Higher risk of contracting or transmitting HIV, because the infection causes inflammation and damage to the genital tissues.
• Babies born to infected mothers may develop eye infections and pneumonia.
• Reactive arthritis leads to painful or swollen joints. 

 

How to avoid catching Chlamydia?

Info poster: Showing how to avoid catching chlamydia

 

Avoiding chlamydia means adopting safer sexual practices and having increased awareness. 

Key protection tips include:

• Using condoms correctly during vaginal, anal, or oral sex greatly reduces the risk.
• Limiting the number of sexual partners.
• Mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner.
• Regular screening and prompt treatment for STIs.

Community approaches include:

• Community education campaigns to reduce stigma and promote healthy behaviours.
• Integrating sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening into routine healthcare checks for HIV care and antenatal visits.
• Training community leaders and healthcare workers to dispel myths and encourage people to get tested.

 

Addressing Social Stigma and Myths

Chlamydia, like many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) carries social stigma in many African communities. 

 This stigma can:

• Prevent people from seeking testing or treatment.
• Increase shame or fear about discussing sexual health.
• Lead to misinformation and harmful myths.

Common myths include:

• The belief that chlamydia only affects certain groups,
• It results from poor hygiene

These misconceptions discourage honest conversations and care.

Reducing stigma involves:

• Community education that normalises sexual health discussions.
• Encouraging open communication with partners and healthcare providers.
• Promoting confidential and non-judgmental services that encourage more people to come forward.

 

Living with Chlamydia: Coping and Support

If you're diagnosed with chlamydia, remember that:

• The illness is common and treatable.
• Most people live healthy lives after completing treatment.
• Supporting mental and emotional health is an important part of recovery.
• Discussing the disease with current or future partners helps prevent reinfection.
• A follow-up test can verify that the infection is cleared.

 

Resources and Support for Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Africa

Across Africa, multiple resources are available to support the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases including chlamydia.

• Local clinics and healthcare centres offer affordable or free STI testing and treatment.
• Many HIV clinics also include STI screening and treatment in their services.
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) run sexual health education and outreach programs.
• Confidential assistance is provided by community health workers and helplines.

Access to rapid diagnostic centres is increasing, making early detection more feasible in resource-limited settings and helping patients receive timely medical care.

If you suspect that you have a sexually transmitted diseases of any kind, including chlamydia, go to healthcare provider or hospital immediately to get help.

 

Conclusion

Chlamydia may often go unnoticed, but it is preventable and treatable. With the right knowledge, resources, and support, people across Africa can protect themselves and others.

Regular screening, safe sex practices, timely management, and community education can significantly reduce the burden of chlamydia. Breaking the stigma and expanding access to healthcare services are vital steps towards controlling infection and protecting reproductive health.

Take charge of your reproductive health: learn, talk, test, and protect!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can chlamydia be cured?
Yes. Chlamydia infection can be cured with antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline. Completing treatment and ensuring partners are also treated prevents reinfection.

2. What are the common symptoms of chlamydia?
 Most people show no symptoms. When they occur, they may include unusual discharge, burning during urination, pelvic pain, or testicular swelling.

3. How is chlamydia transmitted?
 Chlamydia spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. Pregnant women can also transmit it to their babies during childbirth.

4. Who should get tested for chlamydia?
 Sexually active young adults (especially 15–24 years old), people with multiple partners, those with HIV, MSM, and pregnant women should undergo regular chlamydia screening.

 

Resource:

1. World Health Organisation (WHO). Chlamydia Fact Sheet. [internet.n.d]. Cited September 8, 2025. Available from here

 

 

Related: 

Gonorrhoea Explained to Africans: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Syphilis Explained to Africans: Symptoms and Treatment

Common Vaginal Infections In Nigerian Women

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Africa: Diagnosis and Treatment

 

 

Published: December 10, 2025

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