Chlamydia

What is Chlamydia

• It is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections.
• 1 in 10 sexually active people tested have chlamydia, many do not know they have it. 
• Having a simple test can tell you, if you have it.
• Men and women can carry the infection.
• It is easily treated with antibiotics.

What are the symptoms?

Remember: Most people with Chlamydia will not have any symptoms

The possible symptoms in women may be:

• An unusual vaginal discharge.
• The need to pass urine more often.
• Pain on passing urine or during sex
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen.
• Any irregular bleeding, between periods, after sex or if you are using contraception.

The possible symptoms in men may be:

• A discharge from the tip of the penis.
• Pain and/or burning when passing urine.
• Irritation at the tip of the penis.
• Painful swelling of the testicles. 

What can Chlamydia do to you?

Women: Chlamydia can spread to other reproductive organs causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).  This can lead to long term pelvic pain, blocked fallopian tubes, infertility and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that can develop outside the womb).

Men: Chlamydia can lead to painful infection in the testicles and possibly reduced fertility.  It is thought that in some men it might cause the prostrate to become inflamed.

Men and Women: Inflammation or swelling to the joints can occur (reactive ARTHRITIS).  This is sometimes accompanied by inflammation of the urethra (the tube from the bladder to the outside of the body) ad the eye, when it is known as Reiter’s syndrome.  This is rare and occurs more in men than in women.

Chlamydia - How we can help

We can screen for this disease easily.

Free self testing kits for Chlamydia is available for patients aged 25 and under.

Simply ask at reception and you will be given a self test kit, which involves a urine sample for men and a self swab for women.

Although we have only just started providing this screening service, we have had many positive results, and these patients have been able to receive the correct treatment, preventing them developing complications.