Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. It is the most common STI in the UK. It is most common in young men and women under the age of 25.
How is it passed on?
It is passed on by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be passed on by having genital contact with an infected partner or by sharing sex toys.
What are the signs and symptoms?
There are often no symptoms of chlamydia. Many cases of chlamydia remain undiagnosed because of this. Around 50% of men and 70% of women who have chlamydia will have no symptoms at all.
However, some people may have:
Pain when urinating (peeing)
Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
Mild lower abdominal pain
Testicular pain or swelling
What are the tests and treatments?
A test for chlamydia can carried out by taking a urine sample or by taking a small swab from the lower vagina. Chlamydia can be treated easily with antibiotics. Your sexual partner should also get treated to avoid re-infection.
If left untreated chlamydia can spread to the reproductive organs, causing infertility, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease.
