Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection, which affects both men and woman.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that may cause no symptoms, but can cause serious health issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
NHS Inform - Chlamydia
How its caught
You can catch chlamydia by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be passed on by sharing sex toys. Chlamydia is a very common STI, most common in young people under 25, but can affect anyone who is sexually active.
Symptoms
Many people with chlamydia do not show any signs or symptoms. When symptoms occur these usually include discharge from the penis or vagina and pain or a burning sensation when peeing. Pelvic inflammatory disease, epididymo-orchitis (infection of the epididymis and testes), and infertility are less common but serious problems that can be caused by Chlamydia.
Testing
Testing for chlamydia can be done on a urine sample or swabs taken from the pharynx (back of the throat), vagina and/or rectum. The recommended tests depend on your anatomy, the gender of your partner(s) and the type of sex you are having.
Treatment
Chlamydia infections are easily treated with a short course of antibiotics.
It is important that any sexual partners are tested and treated for infections as necessary.
It is important to abstain from sex until 2 weeks after you (and your partner if needed) have completed treatment.
