Although chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial STI in the United States, chlamydia of the throat is uncommon.
A small 2021 study involving 140 men who have sex with men (MSM) found that 1.4% of the participants had chlamydia of the throat.
Other research has shown that extra-genital chlamydia is as common in women as it is in MSM.
Engaging in sex with people who carry the bacteria without using barrier protection can contribute to the spread of the infection.