Chlamydia

Chlamydia The most common STI, caused by a bacterium called chlamydia trachomatis and affects the cervix in women and urethra in men.

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is caused by a bacterium called chlamydia trachomatis. It is most commonly found amongst young men and women between the ages of 18 and 25, although it's possible for men and women of any age to contract this STI.

Chlamydia can live inside the vagina, penis and rectum; and traces of it can be found in male semen and the vaginal fluids, which is how it's passed on through unprotected intercourse. Because it is so easily passed on, it is one of the most dangerous and easily spread STIs in the UK today.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Chlamydia symptoms are not often visible, and the majority of infected people don't even know they have the infection because they do not experience any uncomfortable symptoms. Sometimes the only way to determine if you are infected is to take a test. However, if you do experience symptoms, the most common chlamydia symptoms include an unusual or increased vaginal or penile discharge.

In men, a chlamydia infection can cause a slight discharge from the penis and mild irritation at the head. These symptoms can disappear quickly, but this doesn't mean that the infection has gone.

Common chlamydia symptoms for women are cystitis, a change in vaginal discharge and mild lower abdominal pain. Although these symptoms are commonly related to a chlamydia infection, they may also be caused by other unrelated infections and diseases so it's important that you get tested for chlamydia to determine the cause.

What are the risks?

If left untreated, a chlamydia infection can cause long-term fertility and health problems in both men and women. Amongst the most common problems is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is defined as an inflammation of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes; which ultimately leads to scarring and infertility, and leaves you more vulnerable to contracting new infections.

In women, PID can block and damage the fallopian tubes, preventing you from conceiving naturally. In men, PID decreases sperm production, thereby decreasing your fertility. It can also cause an inflammation of the testicles and sperm tubes, as well as pain, swelling and redness on the scrotum.

Can you cure it?

Yes, the infection can be cured completely with a simple course of antibiotics. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics are Azithromycin, a single-day chlamydia treatment, and Doxycycline, a seven-day treatment.

Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic, a specific type of antibiotic that is used to treat and prevent various bacterial infections. Once contracted, this medication prevents the spread of the chlamydia trachomatis bacterium through your by stopping the bacteria from creating proteins. This gives your body time the time it needs to fight off the infection. Because Azithromycin remains in your body longer than other antibiotics, it's possible to take shorter courses of this treatment.

Doxycycline slows down the spread of a bacterial infection, making the bacteria responsible vulnerable so that the body's immune system can fight it more effectively. Doxycycline is taken in a lower dosage over a longer period of time, compared to treatments such as Azithromycin, which may make it more suitable for people who find that they are particularly prone to develop side effects to high doses of antibiotics.

To successfully treat chlamydia, a single dosage Azithromycin tablet of 1000mg is required. Alternatively, one 100mg Doxycycline tablet should be taken twice a day for seven days for effective treatment.

Taking a chlamydia test

Taking a test is simple. You can choose to take an individual Chlamydia test, a Chlamydia Gonorrhoea Combination test or a Full STI Screen test to test for this infection. Place your order online and you'll receive a test kit in the post. All you have to do is urinate in the specimen tube and place it in the transport cup. Seal the cup in the pre-paid envelope and post it to our laboratory. They will perform the test and your results will ready to view online within two to three days. If you don't get the all-clear, then we can help you to find the right prescription treatment for you.