Chlamydia

Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacteria that is passed from one person to another through sex. It can cause problems if it's left untreated and so getting a test after unprotected sex is important.

What is it?

Chlamydia is caused by a type of bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis and it is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK. It won’t cause any problems if it is found and treated early and it is relatively easy to treat.

However, it can cause problems if it is left untreated. These could be infertility (difficulty becoming pregnant), ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the fallopian tube) and low abdominal pain caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. In men, chlamydia can cause painful, swollen testicles (epididymo-orchitis).

How do I catch it?

Chlamydia is passed from one person to another during unprotected sex- this includes vaginal, oral and anal sex. You can catch it from sex toys if you do not wash them or cover them with a new condom each time they are used. Occasionally it can cause an eye infection if it is passed from the fingers to the eyes. It could also be passed on from a mother to her baby at birth causing a lung or eye infection.

The bacteria infect the cervix (neck of the womb), urethra (tube where the urine comes out), rectum (back passage) and sometimes even the eyes or throat.

You can’t catch chlamydia from hugging, kissing, swimming pools, toilets, sharing towels or sharing cups, plates or cutlery.

What symptoms could I have?

Half of men will not have any obvious symptoms. If they do have symptoms, the most common are tingling or pain when passing urine or discharge (liquid) from the end of the penis.

70-80% of women will not have any obvious symptoms. If they do have symptoms, there might be pain passing urine, pain during sex, tummy pain, bleeding between periods or an increase or change in vaginal discharge.

How do you test for it?

Chlamydia tests are carried out by taking swabs from the penis, vagina, bum or throat. A urine sample can also be used with men. The sexual health clinic will recommend the best test for you depending on whether you have any symptoms, what they are and the type of sex you have.

You can find out more about self-testing and order a postal kit here or you can use the service finder to find chlamydia testing near you.

How do you treat it?

The sexual health clinic will most often give you a one-off dose of antibiotics to treat the chlamydia.

If you have tested positive for Chlamydia and you have a regular partner they will need to arrange a separate appointment for testing. They will also be offered treatment at this time.

Please call 0113 3920321 to arrange

See the below links for antibiotic information sheets:

Doxycycline advice if you have tested positive for Chlamydia

Doxycycline advice if you have come into contact with Chlamydia

Azithromycin advice if you have tested positive for Chlamydia

Azithromycin advice if you have come into contact with Chlamydia