What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia (trachomatis) is a very common infection affecting both men and women. It is passed on through sexual contact and can go undetected for a very long time. Some other types of chlamydia can cause chest and eye Infections and are not passed on sexually.
How do I know if I have Chlamydia?
Many people who have chlamydia do not have any symptoms, so it is possible to have this infection and still feel well. The simple answer is to have a test. One in ten people under the age of 25 has chlamydia.

What are the symptoms?

Men - Approximately 50% of men have no symptoms, but those who do may have:

• pain or discomfort when passing urine
• Discharge or pus from the end of the Penis
• discomfort or swelling in the testicles

Women - Approximately 70% of women have no symptoms, but some may have:

• a vaginal discharge
• pain or discomfort when passing urine or during Sex
• bleeding between periods or after sex
  

The symptoms may  appear after having sex with a new partner. But remember, if you have no symptoms chlamydia can go undetected for a long time.

Where can I get the test?
Your own GP should be able to discuss a chlamydia test with you, and if you choose to be tested, your GP can arrange this. Another option is to contact your local sexual health service. They will be able to offer you a full sexual health screen to detect other infections as well as chlamydia. Telephone numbers are listed at the end of this section.

What does the test involve?
Chlamydia can be tested from a urine sample in men or a self taken low vaginal swab in women. For women who are having a Genital examination, the test can also be taken on a fine cotton-tipped swab from the Cervix (neck of the womb). Cervical smear tests, which women have regularly (throughout their Reproductive years) are taken to check for precancerous changes - BUT chlamydia testing is not part of this test.

Can Chlamydia be treated?
The good news is that chlamydia is usually easy to treat with an antibiotic. As with other infections treatment is most effective when the full course of antibiotics is completed.

If you do have chlamydia, it is important that you:

• come back and see the doctor or health adviser for a follow-up visit to check that the treatment has worked
• remember that your partner will also need to be tested and will require treatment too, otherwise your partner can infect you again
• avoid having sex until you and your partner get the ‘all clear’
• When you are taking the treatment for chlamydia, it is a good idea to tell the doctor if you are taking the contraceptive pill or if you are Pregnant.
  

What will happen if Chlamydia isn’t treated?
The symptoms may go away after a few days but chlamydia itself will not go without treatment. If you are not treated, you can pass it on to other sexual partners and cause complications for yourself. In women, it can cause painful symptoms, including abdominal pain and may affect your chances of having children in the future. In men, it can cause painful testicles and occasional joint pain.

How can I best prevent infection?
The best way to prevent all sexually acquired infections, including HIV, is to practise Safer sex. This means always using a condom for vaginal, anal or Oral sex, or trying non-Penetrative sex like massage or mutual Masturbation instead.

For more information you could contact the
Lanarkshire GUM Clinic
East Kilbride • Monklands • Motherwell • Cumbernauld
t: 0845 618 7191

You can also now access Chlamydia testing at a number of chemists across Lanarkshire.  To see which chemists are participating go to the Emergency Contraception Section.