CHLAMYDIA
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection
in the UK. It often causes no symptoms, and can be passed on to others
without you realising. However, complications may occur if it is left
untreated, and it can cause serious problems later in life if not treated.
A short course of antibiotics clears the infection in most cases
How do you get chlamydia and how common is
it?
It is commonly passed on when you have sex with an infected person.
About 1 in 20 sexually active women in the UK are infected with chlamydia
(it is most common in women under 25). Most people are not aware they
are infected as it is routine not to have any symptoms (you can be
infected with chlamydia for months, even years, without realising it)
Women - signs and symptoms
No symptoms occur in up to 70% of cases. If symptoms do occur, they
can include: a slight increase in vaginal discharge - caused by the
cervix becoming inflamed, a need to pass urine more often/pain on
passing urine, lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, irregular menstrual
bleeding, a painful swelling and irritation in the eyes (if they
are infected)
Men - signs and symptoms
No symptoms occur in up to 50% of cases. If symptoms do occur, they
can include: a discharge from the penis which may be white/cloudy
and watery and stain underwear, pain and/or a burning sensation when
passing urine, a painful swelling and irritation in the eyes (if
they are infected). Chlamydia in the rectum rarely causes symptoms
How chlamydia is passed on
Chlamydia can be transmitted by: having sex with someone who is infected,
a mother to her baby at birth, occasionally, by transferring the
infection on fingers from the genitals to the eyes
The tests for chlamydia
The test can be performed by analysis of a urine sample. Alternatively
an examination of your genital area is carried out by a doctor or
a nurse, and samples are taken using a cotton-wool or spongy swab,
from any place which may be infected. Women are usually given an
internal pelvic examination. Men are given an external examination
of their testicles (balls) to check that these are healthy. None
of these tests should be painful, but may sometimes be uncomfortable
Bradford Student Health Service is offering Chlamydia screening by a 'pee in a pot' collection method, where you can be tested for Chlamydia simply by giving a urine sample. Please ask for details at Reception. No need to see a doctor or nurse, and results can be sent to your mobile phone in a text message if you wish |
Diagnosis and treatment
Samples taken during the examination are sent to a laboratory for testing,
and the result is available usually within one week
If you have chlamydia a doctor or nurse will explain the infection to you and answer your questions. They will also ask you about your sexual partner(s), so that they can get a check-up and treatment if necessary
The treatment for chlamydia is simple and effective once it has been diagnosed. You will be given antibiotic tablets. If you are allergic to any antibiotics or if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant, it is important that you tell your doctor. This will affect which antibiotics you are prescribed. It is important that you finish any course of treatment. If treatment is interrupted, it may be necessary to start again from the beginning
Follow-up
It is important to return for a check-up once you have completed the
treatment to make sure you are well and have no other infection.
You should not have penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina,
mouth or anus) until you have returned to the surgery and been given
the all-clear by the doctor
Complications - women
If untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
This is an inflammation of the fallopian tubes (the tubes along which
an egg passes to get to the womb). PID can lead to problems with
fertility. Many cases of infertility can be traced back to infection
with chlamydia. If a woman has chlamydia when she is pregnant she
risks having an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb) or
a premature birth. The infection can be passed on to the baby, giving
it an eye or lung infection. Chlamydia can be safely treated during
pregnancy. Chlamydia can also lead to chronic (long-term) pelvic
pain
Complications - men
Complications caused by chlamydia in men are uncommon. But it may lead
to painful inflammation of the testicles, which can cause infertility
Complications - men and women
Reiters syndrome is a result of chlamydia. It causes inflammation of
the eyes and joints and sometimes a rash on the soles of the feet
and genitals. Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) can also
be caused by chlamydia. Remember, after treatment, using condoms
during sex can reduce your risk of getting or passing on sexually
transmitted infections
If you are worried about Chlamydia
You should see your doctor, practice nurse, or your visit
local NHS sexual health (GUM) clinic
Source: Health Education Authority
NHS
Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
