Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI in the UK, being most common in people under 25. It affects both men and women. Chlamydia is easily transmitted through vaginal sex and even oral sex.
If left untreated Chlamydia can lead to serious long-term problems and cause pain, especially in the abdomen, and may lead to ectopic (tubal) pregnancy and male and female infertility (not being able to have a baby). However, it is easily cured with antibiotics.
Most people have no symptoms, so will not know they have it. However 25 per cent of women and 50 per cent of men do develop symptoms.
For women symptoms may include an unusual discharge, pain and/or bleeding during sex, lower abdominal pain or pain when passing urine.
For men symptoms may include a white/ cloudy or watery discharge from the penis, burning or itching in the genital area, pain or stinging when passing urine, or painful swelling of the testicles.
You can get tested for Chlamydia and all other sexually transmitted infections at your nearest sexual health clinic. Click here to service finder.
The Bucks Chlamydia Screening Programme are now offering online postal testing kits through their website www.morethanahug.com. For any further info about this contact the Chlamydia Screening Co-ordinator.
In addition, the National Chlamydia Screening Programme provides free and confidential chlamydia screening tests to young people under 25. Anyone who is under 25 and has ever been sexually active is advised to have a test.
The test is quick and easy. You do not even need to see a doctor or nurse. Men will be asked to give a urine sample and women do the test themselves by taking a swab from their lower vagina.
You will be asked how you want to receive your results. This can even be by text. If you do have chlamydia, it is easily treated with antibiotics. After you have taken the antibiotics it is important that you do not have sex for seven days. Your partner or any recent sexual contacts must also be treated as they may be infected as well.
Remember, the only way to protect against chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections is to use a condom every time you have sex.
For a full list of places where you can get a free and confidential chlamydia test, go to our service finder.
Buckinghamshire Chlamydia Screening Office: 0844 225 2416
Bucks Chlamydia Screening Programme website (www.morethanahug.com)