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Infections & STDs

Chlamydia

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in Britain. It affects both men and women and in most cases is entirely asymptomatic (this means the individual feels normal but is infected).

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Chlamydia is acquired through sexual intercourse with an infected person.

SYMPTOMS

70% of women with Chlamydia and 50% of men with Chlamydia have no symptoms.

Because most men and women in the early stages of Chlamydia have no symptoms, it is recommended that you get regularly screened at 132 Healthwise.

You should be tested if:

• You have had any recent symptoms of a sexual infection
• You have another sexual infection such gonorrhoea, herpes or genital warts.
• You are female and your routine smear test indicated that you may have an infection.
• You have recently changed your sexual partner.

If you are a woman that has symptoms, they may include:

• Increased vaginal discharge, due to an inflamed cervix
• An infection of the urethra (the tube that leads from the outside into the bladder)
• Pelvic pain, particularly with intercourse

If you are a man that has symptoms, they could include:

• Discharge
• Pain passing urine
• Testicular pain and swelling.

If you have any of these symptoms, please contact 132 Healthwise to arrange a test.

For men and women, a urine test can detect Chlamydia. A urine test should involve not voiding for 2 hours and then taking the first catch of urine for the sample. The GUM nurse may decide to take a swab from a woman's cervix for Chlamydia.

The tests will then be analysed at the laboratory and results will be usually ready within a few days.

If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse in the previous week before the test, it is possible for the infection not to be detected because it's too early. We therefore suggest that another test is done 3 weeks from the last time you had unprotected sexual intercourse. It is recommended that a screen for other infections be performed during your examination or appointment.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS IF LEFT UNTREATED?

Untreated Chlamydia in women can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (P.I.D).

PID can be very mild or can make you feel unwell and cause a fever, low abdominal pain and backache. It can also cause discomfort during sex and can lead to an ectopic pregnancy. This is when the baby grows in the fallopian tubes instead of the womb.

Untreated Chlamydia in men can lead to painful infection in the testicles and possibly reduced fertility.

Since untreated Chlamydia may reduce fertility in both men and women, it is therefore essential that you and your partner are seen and examined by a GUM nurse or doctor. We realise that it can be difficult to discuss this with your partner; however it is vital to ensure that further spread of Chlamydia can be prevented.

If you think you need a test, please contact 132 Healthwise.