The short answer is no, chlamydia does not typically lay dormant for 7 years. Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Let’s take a closer look at the details:
How Long Can Chlamydia Lay Dormant?
Chlamydia can lay dormant or asymptomatic for weeks to months after initial infection. The average incubation period is 1-3 weeks after exposure before symptoms occur. However, it is estimated that up to 70-75% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms, and the infection can go undetected for a long time.
If left untreated, chlamydia can persist and remain dormant in the body for years. But it is very unlikely for chlamydia to lay dormant for as long as 7 years if it is truly untreated.
Can Chlamydia Reactivate After Years?
If properly treated with antibiotics, chlamydia goes away completely and does not become dormant or reactivate. However, reinfection is common if a person is exposed again through unprotected sex with an infected partner.
Sometimes people think chlamydia has reactivated after many years, but this is usually due to:
- Reinfection from a new exposure to chlamydia
- A repeat or persistent infection that was never fully cured
- False positive test result
Reasons Chlamydia May Persist for Years
There are a few reasons why chlamydia may persist for years after the initial infection:
- Inadequate treatment: If the full antibiotic course is not completed, chlamydia may persist in a dormant state.
- Recurrent infections from an untreated partner: If one partner is treated but the other is not, reinfection can occur.
- Location of infection: Chlamydia in the rectum or throat is often asymptomatic and can go undetected/untreated.
- Immune response: In some people, the immune system may not fully eliminate the bacteria.
Testing Recommendations
The CDC recommends the following testing for chlamydia:
- Annual screening for sexually active women under 25 and older women with risk factors like new partners.
- Screening for pregnant women to prevent complications.
- Men who have sex with men should have yearly screening.
- Retesting 3 months after treatment and whenever new partners are had.
Getting tested regularly, completing all medications, and having partners treated can help prevent chlamydia persisting dormant or reactivating.
Conclusion
In summary, while chlamydia can potentially lay dormant for years if inadequately treated or reinfection occurs, it is very unlikely to persist for 7 years or more if appropriate testing and treatment is completed. Maintaining open communication with partners, routine screening, and safe sexual practices are the best ways to prevent chlamydia persisting long-term.