chlamydia

Sexually Transmitted Infections.

What is it?

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK and is on the increase. Women aged 16-19 and men aged 20-25 are at the greatest risk. You can get it through oral, vaginal or anal sex.

Symptoms

Most women and some men do not have symptoms. If there are symptoms they might include:

In women

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain with passing urine (peeing)
• Unusual bleeding.
• Pain during sex

In men

• White/Cloudy or watery discharge from the penis
• Pain when passing urine (peeing)
• Painful swelling of the testicles

What is it caused by?

Bacteria

How is it diagnosed?

Urine test or by taking a swab.

How is it treated?

It’s easily treated with a short course of antibiotics from your GP or Sexual Health clinic. Your partner/partners also need to be tested and treated.

What can happen if it’s not treated?

Left untreated it can cause infertility (inability to have a child). It can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or Ectopic pregnancy.It can also cause Reiters syndrome. This is a type of arthritis and causes inflammation of the eyes and joints and sometimes a rash on the soles of the feet and genitals.

How can I best prevent infection?

You cannot tell by looking at someone if they have a sexually transmitted infection, so if you are having sex (oral, anal or vaginal) the only way to make sure you are not putting yourself at risk is to practise safer sex.
This means:

• Always using condoms or femidoms (female condom inserted within the vagina) for vaginal sex.
• Using condoms  for anal sex. Do not use condoms with spermicide if you are having anal sex.
• Using flavoured condoms or dental dams (a latex shield that covers the mouth) when having oral sex.
• Trying non-penetrative sex like massage or mutual masturbation.

Condoms / Femidoms also protect you from other STIs including HIV. Always check the packaging for the British Standard kitemark or European product mark as well as the date of expiry. If you wish to use a lubricant for extra sensation to prevent bursting, use only a water based lubricant like KY Jelly.

Free condoms are available throughout Dumfries & Galloway by joining the C4U scheme.