Sexually Transmitted Infections > Guide to STIs > Chlamydia

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis.
In the UK, the number of new diagnoses has steadily increased each year since the mid-1990s and it has now become the most commonly diagnosed STI. It is particularly common amongst the under 25s.

Most people who get it do not realise they have the infection; around 50% of men and 70-80% of women who have chlamydia do not get any symptoms.


How do you catch Chlamydia?

Chlamydia can easily be passed from one person to another through unprotected sexual contact
• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex
• Intimate touching
• Shared sex toys
• Can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby

Symptoms

It is difficult to detect because many men and women do not show any symptoms of the disease. You can still be tested even if you do not show any signs of the infection so if you think you may be at risk, you can go to your GP, GUM or sexual health clinic for a test. If you do show any of the following, you should get yourself checked out:

 

Women
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain when passing urine
• Heavy period or bleeding between periods
• Pelvic and lower abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain during vaginal sex and/or bleeding during or after sex

Men
• White/cloudy and watery discharge from penis
• Pain when passing urine
• Painful swelling of testicles


Test & Treatment


Chlamydia can be diagnosed using a swab or urine test. 

Under 25s can get a free confidential chlamydia test through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme. If you are over 25, you can get a test from your GP, abortion clinic, local GUM clinic or sexual health clinic.

If the test is positive, the infection can be treated with a course of antibiotics.

Calthorpe Clinic, 4 Arthur Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2UL