Chlamydia is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has the infection. The bacteria that cause chlamydia, Chlamydia trachomatis, are present in vaginal fluid and semen, and the infection can be passed on when these fluids are exchanged during sex. Additionally, chlamydia can be spread by manual sex or contact with infected tissues. It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Chlamydia cannot be contracted from toilets, swimming pools, or casual everyday contact with people. Using condoms during sex significantly reduces the risk of getting chlamydia, though it does not entirely eliminate it.
