What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is passed from one person to another through unprotected sex. Chlamydia is one of the most common STI’s in the UK overall and is the most common amongst young people 25 and younger.
This STI is so commonly spread because 50% of men and over 70% of women show NO SYMPTOMS AT ALL.
Many people live with the infection and have no clue… therefore, spreading it unknowingly to anyone else they have unprotected sex with. Even if someone does show symptoms, they can be so mild that you might not even notice them.
How does it spread?
The infection is spread through unprotected sex or contact with infected genital fluids. It can be passed through vaginal sex, anal sex AND oral sex. It’s also possible to get chlamydia in your eye if any infected fluids get in contact with it.
Signs and Symptoms
White discharge from the penis or vagina
Pain when peeing and having sex.
Lower tummy or back pain
Bleeding between periods or after sex
Pain or swelling in the testicles (balls)
As mentioned before, some people show no symptoms, and for many people, they are so mild they nearly go unnoticed. You know your own body best, so knowing things to look out for are key.
Treatment
The good news is, chlamydia is totally curable (woohoo)!
Your doctor will prescribe you a one-off dose of antibiotics. It’s so important if you are ever treated for an STI that you tell your current or previous sexual partners so they can get a check-up and treatment too if needed.
If chlamydia is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body and lead to long term problems such as infertility. That’s why wearing a condom to help protect yourself against STI’s is so important and getting regular sexual health checkups.
Useful sites and further reading:
You can find out more about sexual health and STIs on our website www.landed.info.
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