Chlamydia - Preventing chlamydia

There are several ways to protect yourself against chlamydia and most other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as genital herpes and gonorrhoea.

Anyone who is sexually active can catch chlamydia, especially people who change partners frequently or don't use a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom, when having sex.

You can help to prevent the spread of chlamydia by:

using a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex
using a condom to cover the penis during oral sex
using a dam (a piece of thin, soft plastic or latex) to cover the female genitals during oral sex or when rubbing female genitals together
not sharing sex toys

If you do share sex toys, wash them or cover them with a new condom between each person who uses them.

Find out more about chlamydia symptoms and getting tested for chlamydia.

If you think you’re at risk of having an STI, or you have any symptoms, visit your local sexual health clinic to have them checked out. Find your local sexual health services.

You can find out more about all sexual health services, contraception and STIs on the FPA helpline 0845 122 8690 or call the Worth Talking About helpline on 0800 282930 (2pm-10pm every day) for advice on contraception, sexual health and relationships.

Find answers to some common health questions: