What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is the commonest sexually transmitted an infection the UK.
It’s attributable to the micro organism ‘chlamydia trachomatis’, which is discovered within the semen or vaginal fluid of those who carry the an infection. Simply put, it’s a bacterial an infection.
How do you catch chlamydia and what are the signs?
Chlamydia could be transmitted by the switch of sexual fluids (semen and vaginal fluids), often by genital contact. It could be handed on from unprotected vaginal, anal or oral intercourse, however it could additionally unfold by sharing vibrators or different intercourse toys that haven’t been washed and coated with a brand new condom every time they’re used.
Symptoms of Chlamydia embrace:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Bleeding between intervals, heavier intervals, ache or bleeding throughout intercourse
- Pain or a burning feeling when urinating
- Pain within the decrease stomach
However, round 50% of males and 70% of girls with chlamydia are asymptomatic – this implies they don’t expertise any bodily signs, so they could have the an infection and never realise it, making it straightforward to cross on.
If chlamydia is left untreated it could have critical problems, reminiscent of infertility and miscarriage. Because of this, it’s extremely necessary to get examined in case you suppose you’ve been uncovered to it, or in case you’ve just lately had unprotected intercourse.
How to forestall getting contaminated with chlamydia
- Use a condom each time you’ve gotten intercourse.
- Use a dental dam to cowl feminine genitals throughout oral intercourse.
- Never share intercourse toys.
- Get examined commonly, particularly in case you are having unprotected intercourse or have new companions.
- Talk brazenly and truthfully with companions about your and their sexual health.
How to get examined for and obtain treatment for chlamydia
While it could appear embarrassing or aggravating to undergo STI testing, be assured that there’s nothing scary about it. If you go to the GP or a clinic, the professionals there’ll discuss you thru the method calmly. Alternatively, you possibly can even do it from the privateness of your individual house.
Check out our STI check information for info on how to get tested and treated for chlamydia. If you’ve gotten chlamydia with no signs you can be prescribed a course of antibiotics. If you’ve gotten chlamydia with signs, you’ll be referred to a clinic for treatment. Do not have intercourse till the an infection has cleared and you’ve got fully completed your treatment to forestall passing it on to another person.
How to cease chlamydia from spreading
If you do check optimistic, it’s necessary to inform former companions in order that they can also get examined and forestall the an infection from spreading. If you might be involved about telling them, the clinic at which you get examined or handled can contact your previous companions for you.
With new companions all the time use a condom and make sure you’re each up-to-date with a latest STI check. And in case you discover something unusual, get it checked out.
