Chlamydia: The Facts

What is Chlamydia?

It’s the most common treatable STI, but 75% of infected women and half of infected men have no symptoms. Caused by a tiny bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis, symptoms can included cystitis, unusual discharge and mild abdominal pain. In men, look out for discharge from the penis and a mild irritation at the end of the penis.

How do you catch it?

Through unprotected sex. You only need to have unprotected sex with one person, just once to be at risk.

What to do if you think you\'ve got Chlamydia?

If you have had unprotected sex – even just once – visit your GP or GUM clinic for a test or pick up a Clamelle home tested kit (£24.47) from most pharmacies including Boots or visit clamelle.co.uk

What if the test is positive?

If you’ve taken a home test and it is positive, then you need to take the positive test to a pharmacy to get the right course of antibiotics. 95% of people with Chlamydia are cured by this.

What happens if it\'s not treated?

Without treatment, some women can develop pelvic inflammatory disease, or it can damage the fallopian tubes, blocking them and causing infertility, ectopic pregnancy (where the baby grows outside the womb) and chronic pelvic pain. Men may develop painful swelling of the testicles or joint inflammation.

For more information on condoms, sexual health and how to protect yourself from STIs visit netdoctor.co.uk or condomessentialwear.co.uk will also help you find your nearest GUM clinic.