Can I get chlamydia from kissing?

Dear Counsellor:

I was wondering if I could become infected with chlamydia by kissing my infected boyfriend. My boyfriend recently broke up with his girlfriend. We have not had sex yet.

Loving Girlfriend

Dear Loving Girlfriend:

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is transmitted (passed on) from one person to another during intimate sexual contact. You can catch chlamydia through:

Having unprotected vaginal sex with someone who is infected;

Having unprotected anal sex with someone who is infected;

Having unprotected oral sex with someone who is infected;

Having genital contact with someone who is infected.

Importantly, chlamydia can be transmitted orally but only through oral sex, but not by kissing. You cannot catch chlamydia by causal contact such as using the same toilet seat, shaking hands, or drinking from the same glass. Your boyfriend must be treated promptly before engaging in sexual activity, otherwise he could infect you.

Infected with Chlamydia and didn't know

Dear Counsellor:

I had pain during sex and a white discharge from my vagina. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with chlamydia. This is difficult to believe because the last time I had sex was about three months ago. Could I have had chlamydia so long and not known?

Concerned Sister

Dear Concerned Sister:

Yes, you could indeed be infected with chlamydia and not know because most women who are infected with chlamydia do not know that they are infected. Sometimes it can cause an unusual discharge from the vagina or penis, or cause pain during sex, or burning during urination, but eight out of 10 women when infected with chlamydia don't have visible symptoms. You must follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Remember also that if you use a condom every time you have sex, this will reduce your chances of becoming infected with sexually transmitted infections including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

For more information on condom use, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections call the AIDS/STD Helpline at 967-3830, 967-3764 or toll free 1888-991-4444.