Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed
sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK, affecting both men
and women. You don't need to have had lots of sexual partners to be
at risk.
The important things to know about chlamydia are:
- For most people chlamydia has no symptoms, so you probably
won't know if you or your partner(s) have it without having a
test.
- Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed STI in England and
rates are increasing.
- Untreated chlamydia can have serious long term health
implications and may lead to infertility (being unable to have
children).
- If you are sexually active and under 25 years old, you should
be tested for chlamydia annually or when you change your sexual
partner.
- If you are under 25 years old you can get a free and
confidential chlamydia test as part of the NCSP.
- Chlamydia is easily tested for and easy to treat - you don't
need to be examined.
- Any form of unprotected sex (without a condom) can put you at
risk of catching chlamydia, including oral sex.
Get tested
Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted
infection (STI) in the UK, affecting both men and women. Most
people who have it will have no symptoms, without a test you will
probably not know anything is wrong. If you or your sexual partner
are left untreated it can cause infertility (not being able to have
children) and long term pelvic pain. If you are aged 15- 24 years
old you should be tested for chlamydia annually.
The test for chlamydia is simple - just one quick and painless
test that you do yourself. You do NOT need to be examined!
Pick up a free test kit at the surgery or
contact us for
further information.
DYI postal kits are also available at www.freetestme.co.uk or www.playinitsafe.com
Click on www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk/
for more details.