As with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there are things you can do to reduce or eliminate the risk of chlamydia. These include the following:
- Abstinence (not having any sexual contact) is a sure way to avoid infection.
- Mutual monogamy (having sex with only one uninfected partner, who only has sex with you) is another way to avoid infection.
- Using latex condoms consistently and correctly for vaginal and anal sex can reduce risk of transmission.
- Water-based spermicides are not recommended for the prevention of chlamydia. Recent studies have shown that nonoxynol-9 (N-9), which is found in most water-based spermicides, is not effective in preventing chlamydia.
Since chlamydia can be transmitted even if the penis or tongue does not completely enter the vagina, mouth or rectum, using latex condoms at the beginning of sexual contact until there is no longer skin contact is the best form of prevention.
Several barrier methods can be used to reduce the risk of transmission of chlamydia during oral sex. A non-lubricated condom can be used for mouth-to-penis contact. Household plastic wrap, a dental dam, or a latex condom cut-up and opened flat can reduce the risk of transmission during mouth-to-vulva/vagina or oral-anal (rimming) contact.
It is important that you talk to your partner as soon as possible so she or he can get treatment. Telling a partner can be hard, but keep in mind that most people with chlamydia do not know they have it. Also, it is possible to pass chlamydia back and forth, so if you get treated and your partner does not, you may become infected again.