Chlamydia
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1. Chlamydia
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) affecting both men and women that can be transmitted through unprotected oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Chlamydia cannot be passed on through kissing, sharing towels, cutlery, cups or plates, or toilet seats.
It is not easily noticed and can lead to more serious problems if left untreated, which is why it is important to get tested.
Most people who have chlamydia have no symptoms. However, in some cases it may cause…
Women
- vaginal discharge different to usual
- need to pee more often
- pain when peeing or during sex
- pain in pelvis or lower abdomen
- any irregular bleeding between periods or during sex
Men
- discharge from tip of penis
- pain and/or burning when peeing
- irritation at the tip of the penis
- painful swelling of the balls (testicles)
For both men and women
- if the infection is in the rectum, there are rarely symptoms, but it can sometimes cause discomfort and discharge
- infection in the eyes can cause pain, swelling, irritation and discharge
- infection in the throat isn’t common and doesn’t produce any symptoms
Why is it important to get tested?
It’s important to get tested for chlamydia because:
- most people with chlamydia have no symptoms, so you probably won’t know if you or your partner(s) have it unless you have a test
- chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK
- untreated chlamydia can have serious long-term health effects, and may lead to infertility (being unable to have children)
If you’re sexually active and under 25 years old, you should be tested for chlamydia once a year, and when you change your sexual partner.
Chlamydia is easy to test for, and easy to treat with antibiotics. You don’t need to be examined by a doctor. Any form of unprotected sex (without a condom), including oral sex, can put you at risk of catching chlamydia.
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