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Sexually Transmitted Infections
GENITAL CHLAMYDIA INFECTION
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is the commonest bacterial sexually transmitted infection.
It affects 1 in 10 sexually active individuals aged under 25.
What are the symptoms?
Most people with Chlamydia have no symptoms.
However women can notice an increase or change in vaginal discharge, bleeding after sex or between periods, new lower abdominal pain or pain during sex.
Men can notice a discharge from the end of the penis, pain passing urine and occasionally pain in the testicles.
How is Chlamydia transmitted?
Chlamydia is passed from one person to another during unprotected sex. But remember close genital contact before putting on a condom can be enough to allow Chlamydia to be transmitted.
What problems does Chlamydia cause?
Most people with Chlamydia will not have any further problems once the Chlamydia has been treated.
However Chlamydia can cause infertility in women by damaging the fallopian tubes. Occasionally it can also cause joint pain, and in men swelling of the testicles.
Pregnant women who have Chlamydia can go into labour too early and can pass the infection to their baby at delivery causing eye infections and lung problems.
Who should be tested for Chlamydia?
- If you have any of the symptoms described above you should be tested for Chlamydia.
- If you are a sexual contact of someone who has Chlamydia you should have the test too, and will normally be offered treatment.
- If you have recently changed your sexual partner or have had more than 2 sexual partners in the last 6 months it would be sensible to have the test.
- If you are sexually active and under the age of 25 it is a good idea to have a test for Chlamydia.
What does the test involve?
The test for Chlamydia is a urine sample or in women we can also take a swab from the cervix (neck of the womb).
Where can I have the test taken?
The test can be taken at a Genitourinary medicine clinic, by your GP, at family planning clinics and at some young people’s clinics in Tayside. (See sexual health clinic information)
How is Chlamydia treated?
Chlamydia is easily treated with a single dose of antibiotic. It is important that you do not have sex with your partner until they are also treated otherwise you will be re-infected.
How can I make sure I don’t catch Chlamydia again?
- Making sure that you use a condom throughout sex and before any genital contact will reduce the risk of being re-infected with Chlamydia.
- It is also a good idea to make an appointment to come to the GUM clinic with any new partner so that you can be tested together for any infections.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CHLAMYDIA PLEASE CONTACT THE HEALTH ADVISORS AT GUM NINEWELLS ON 01382 632 600.
Click here for distribution sites of Chlamydia postal testing kits