Chlamydia FAQs
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK and is easily treated.
How do I get it?
You can contract Chlamydia through unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse and through oral sex and fingers during sex.
How do I know I have it?
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Sometimes males and females can get a bit of pain when passing urine but this may pass after a day or two.
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Often there are no symptoms at all, which is why it is so important to test regularly for Chlamydia.
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If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy and childbirth complications and infertility in women.
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In men it can lead to a painful infection in the testicles and reduced fertility.
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Can also cause a reactive arthritis (painful swollen joints) in both males and females.
How do I avoid getting it?
The best way to protect yourself against Chlamydia is to practise safer sex and use condoms. However, as it can be passed on through oral sex or foreplay alone, the best thing to do is screen regularly, particularly following a change in partner.
How do I take the test?
The test is a simple urine test (pee in a pot).
Click here to get your FREE HOME Test Kit.
Alternatively to find your nearest screening site, click here.
Treatment
If you test positive for Chlamydia you will need to be treated. A Health Advisor will talk to you about the most convenient place to access your treatment.
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Treatment is free, simple and effective.
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Treatment consists of 4 tablets taken in a single dose (Azithromycin 1gm).
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You should not have sex for 7 days after taking the tablets, after that the infection will be gone.
Treatment is available at a number of Pharmacies across Bedfordshire.
Partner Notification
It is important to treat your regular partner(s), as failure to do this means you are likely to be re-infected. It is sensible to go back and contact sexual partners from the last 6 months to either advise them to get a screen or obtain some treatment. You could e mail or text them the undercover website details in order for them to access free and confidential Chlamydia screening too.
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