Many women do not know that it is possible to have an anal chlamydia infection in addition to vaginal chlamydia. It is possible to have this infection without having anal sex. This is called self infection. In women, the vagina and the anus are close together, so it's not surprising that the bacteria that causes the infection moves easily between these two places. The figures don't lie either: in a vaginal chlamydia 68% (57-80%) also turns out to be anal positive for chlamydia.

The difference between anal chlamydia and chlamydia in the vagina

The treatment of chlamydia in the vagina is different from the treatment of anal chlamydia. It is therefore possible that without your knowledge you will not be treated properly. The chlamydia in the anus remains and can infect the vagina again after treatment.

The risks of chlamydia infection

Many chlamydia infections in women are therefore not treated optimally. This has consequences for the spread of chlamydia. It can also have consequences for complications and fertility.

Better safe than sorry!

Chlamydia testing at different locations

We therefore advise women to also test anal when they have not had anal sex. Also, in consultation with the doctor, it is sometimes possible to get a cure for anal chlamydia while only a vaginal chlamydia has been found.

Het is nu ook bij Onedayclinic mogelijk om een sneltest voor anale chlamydia te doen waarbij de uitslag er al na 90 min is. Bij de reguliere chlamydia test heb je de uitslag er ook al binnen 1-3 werkdagen. Dit is sneller dan bij de huisarts en GGD.

Stop by soon for a quick STI rapid test, this is available at the following locations:

Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague and Eindhoven.

Source: Dukers-Muijrers NH, et al. Treatment effectiveness of azithromycin and doxycycline in uncomplicated rectal and vaginal Chlamydia trachomatis infections in women: a multicentre observational study (FemCure). Clin Infect Dis. 2019 Jan 28