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Chlamydia

What is Chlamydia and how do you get it?

Chlamydia is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) amongst young people.  You can get it by having unprotected vaginal, anal sex or oral sex (not using a condom) with someone who is already infected.   It can also be spread by sharing sex toys without washing them. 

Chlamydia is caused by bacteria and infects the cells inside the cervix (the entrance to the womb), the rectum (the anal passage) and the urethra (the urine tube). It often has no symptoms so you won’t always know if you have it unless you get tested. 

Learn about Chlamydia listen to the girls radio advert:

Learn about Chlamydia listen to the boys radio advert:

To find out more about Chlamydia watch the film below by clicking on the triangle or read on:

 

 

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What are the symptoms?

Below are some of the symptoms you can have if you have Chalmydia, but it's important that you know you can have Chlamydia and NOT have any symptoms.

In women

  • Vaginal discharge
  • Pain and /or burning when peeing
  • Pain during and/or after sex
  • Bleeding after sex or between periods
  • Lower abdominal pain (pain in the lower belly)

In men

  • A discharge from the tip of the penis
  • Pain and/or burning when peeing
  • Irritation at the tip of the penis
  • Painful swelling of the testicles

But remember at least half of all infected men and 70% of infected women will NOT have any symptoms at all, or they may get symptoms that are mild and go away but this won’t mean the Chlamydia has gone.  So if you have had sex without using a condom get a free, confidential test to be sure.

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What does getting tested involve?

If you are under 25 you can get a free, confidential test for Chlamydia. It’s really easy you just pee in a pot that we provide you.

Chlamydia shows up on tests two weeks after you have been in contact with it and often before you have any symptoms.

You can protect yourself against Chlamydia by always using a condom when you have sex.

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How can I get tested for Chlamydia?

If you are under 25 you can request a free test to be sent to you by post by texting bclear followed by your name and address to 80010 or call 01977 665828.  The kits are sent out in a gray plastic, A5 size bag with an envelope label with your name and address on it.  Inside you will find a specimen container to pee in, an NHS leaflet about Chlamydia testing, an instruction sheet on how to use the kit, a test request form that you complete and a return freepost bag.

There are also lots of places where you can go to get tested including youth centres, colleges and Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) clinics and Terrence Higgins and Brook clinics.  To find your nearest location visit the bclear website.

If you are 25 or over you can still be tested. All you need to do is contact any of the following CaSH or Genito-Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics:

  • Wakefield CaSH clinic - 01924 327585
  • North Kirklees CaSH clinic - 01924 351578
  • Wakefield GUM clinic- 01924 214421
  • Pontefract GUM clinic - 01977 606462
  • Dewsbury GUM clinic - 01924 816120
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What does the treatment for Chlamydia involve?

If you test positive for Chlamydia the treatment is a course of antibiotics which is usually just four tablets.

Both you and your partner (or partners) will need treatment if either of you test positive.

If you do test positive you should not have sex even with condoms until one week after both you and your partner have finished the treatment.

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What are the health effects of Chlamydia?

If untreated, Chlamydia infection can lead to other more serious problems - even if you don’t have any symptoms at first.

In women, Chlamydia may lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), or fertility problems (difficulty in becoming pregnant). You might not want a baby right now but that may change as you get older.

Chlamydia can be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth. This can cause the newborn to have conjunctivitis and/or pneumonia.

If men are not treated, the infection may spread to the testicles and cause pain/discomfort.

If infected semen comes into contact with the eyes it can cause conjunctivitis (infection of the eyes).

If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause Reiter's syndrome. This is a form of arthritis which causes swelling of the joints, inflammation of the urethra (the tube which carries your wee from your bladder) and the eyes.

These problems are rare, but the risk increases every time you get Chlamydia.

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