Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacteria that can infect the genitals, urethra and rectum of men and women, but may also affect the throat and eyes.

 It is passed on by unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, when sharing sex toys or by a mother to her baby at birth.
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Signs and symptoms

Most men and women with Chlamydia show no symptoms at all. Often any symptoms are very mild and go unnoticed, but some signs of infection with Chlamydia experienced by men or women can include:

• Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain when passing urine
• Bleeding between periods
• Testicular pain or swelling
• Pain during sex
• Low abdominal pain

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Tests and Treatment

• The Chlamydia test is quick, simple and can be done yourself which means no examination is involved. Usually a swab is taken from the vagina or for males a sample of urine is taken. The test can also be done as part of a routine sexual health check up.
• Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics. To avoid re-infection, sexual partners should also be treated.
• If left untreated, Chlamydia can spread to other reproductive organs causing serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility, as well as other conditions such as arthritis.

If you are under 25 you can receive a FREE postal test kit from www.freetest.me.uk or contact the Chlamydia screening team on 01803 656500.

For more details on testing locations click here.