Chlamydia information~
WHAT IS CHLAMYDIA? Chlamydia is the UK's number 1 bacterial STD/STI infection.The bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis is highly contagious and is prevalent in young adults 18-24.
HOW IS CHLAMYDIA TRANSMITTED?
Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF CHLAMYDIA INFECTION?
Chlamydia often shows no signs and recent studies suggest 75% of women do not experience any symptoms and 50% of men.
WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM COMPLICATIONS OF CHLAMYDIA?
Unless Chlamydia is treated the untreated infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes. This can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).Recent studies suggest 40% of women go on to develop PID if the infection is not treated. PID can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues. The damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus).
Complications among men are rar however infection can spread to the epididymis (a tube that carries sperm from the testis), causing pain, fever, and, rarely, sterility.
Rarely chlamydiacan develop into an inflammation of the eye and urethra (Reiter's syndrome).
HOW IS CHLAMYDIA DIAGNOSED?
There are several test for Chlamydia.
A specimen be collected from a site such as the penis or cervix usually conducted at a registered STD clinic or by some practices.
Home testing kits which use an enzyme to stain the cells infected with chlamydia trachomatis.
Laboratory urine tests which analyse the cells infected with chlamydia which drop off the bladder and urethra into the urine.
HOW IS CHLAMYDIA TREATED?
Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. There is no evidence that creams applied to chlamydia can cure the condition, the only safe cure is with antibiotics.
All sexual partners should be informed so they can check their status.
CAN THE INFECTION RECUR?
Re-infection can occur at any time if a sexual partner is infected with chlamydia. The only way to prevent infection is to use protective sex (condom).
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you are worried that you may have chlamydia, contact your doctor or visit your local STD office, details of whichj can be found on the main page of this website or in the yellow pages. Alternatively you could use one of the CE registered home tests available.
Reproduced under licence from www.std.co.uk
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