Get It On

Chlamydia (pronounced Kla-mid-e-a)

It is estimated that 1 in every 10 sexually active young people have Chlamydia, and many don’t even know it.

What is it?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection and it is the most common STI in young people.

In men, chlamydia may cause infection of the urethra, resulting in pain on passing urine, tenderness / swelling in testicles, and fever. Chlamydia in men can lead to infertility. In women, it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which can lead to ectopic pregnancy or even infertility as it blocks the fallopian tubes. Chlamydia can also lead to reactive arthritis-especially in young men. 1 in 3 men who develop reactive arthritis become permanently disabled. It can also affect babies and is the most common cause of eye infections in newborns.

You can pass it on to your partner for as long as it hasn’t been treated. Infections can linger for many years without causing any symptoms. Also you can get infected over and over again…

How do I know if I’ve got it?

In a small number of cases there will be symptoms 5-10 days after the infection has been caught, (look for discharge and pain). Some symptoms may include discharge (thick fluid from the vagina or penis), pain or burning feeling when having a wee, possible blood loss from the vagina, pain during sex, stomach pain, feeling sick, swelling of testicles.

MOST people DO NOT get any symptoms at all so it would be best to book an appointment at the GUM Clinic to get checked out.

How do you get it?

It’s passed on through having unprotected vaginal sex, oral sex or anal sex, (sex without a condom) with a person infected. A mother can pass it to her unborn child and although it’s not likely, it can be passed on through oral sex and from the hand to the eye.

Can I get rid of it?

Yes. Even though it’s a really serious infection, and can cause so many problems – it can be cured quite easily through a course of antibiotics from your doctor or GUM clinic. The most important thing is to get treated quickly. If you have been treated successfully, chlamydia can only come back if you have unprotected sex with someone who has the infection. This means that it is really important that your partner (or anybody else you’ve recently slept with) get’s treated too or it will be passed on to others and you may get infected again. The GUM Clinic staff will carry out any contact tracing for you.

Chlamydia screening programme in Widnes, Runcorn & St Helens

The local Chlamydia screening programme offers free, confidential testing for both Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea infection.

• Males and females under 24 years of age can get tested.
• The test is very straightforward – a simple urine test or self-taken swab. Results are usually back 7-10 days later.
• Treatment for Chlamydia infection is easy – antibiotics will be provided by the nurse. Testing is provided in many locations, including colleges, schools and family planning clinics.
• Postal kits are also available.

Approximately 1 in 10 young people will have Chlamydia and probably will be unaware they have it. It is important that you get checked if you have ever had any kind of unprotected sexual intercourse. This will prevent health complications such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.

To find out where your nearest clinic or testing site is contact 01744 457379

Warning

Rashes, sores, burning, smelling, itching and generally feeling unwell are some symptoms that you may have an STI