Facts...

• It is an infection which can be passed on during sex, including oral sex
• It is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK, and can affect both men and women
• It often shows no symptoms, so you could have chlamydia without realising it
• Without proper treatment, chlamydia can spread to other parts of the body causing damage and serious long-term complications such as infertility

Why is it important to be screened?

• Most people have no signs or symptoms and won't know they've got it
• However, 1 in 10 sexually active young people has chlamydia
• It's easily treated with antibiotics

How could I get chlamydia?

• You get it by having sex (vaginal, anal or oral, or by sharing sex toys) with someone who already has chlamydia
• This may have been recently, or many months ago
• A mother can pass it to her baby at birth
• You can't catch chlamydia from kissing, hugging, sharing baths, towels, cups, plates or cutlery, or from toilet seats

How can I protect myself?

Using condoms every time you have sex can reduce the risks of getting or passing on chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Sticking with one partner who you know is Chlamydia negative means you are both safe.

Sticking with one partner who you know is Chlamydia negative means you are both safe.

How will I know if chlamydia has affected my fertility?

Most people have heard that chalmydia can cause problems with fertility. This applies to untreated chlamydia. Once treated the risk to fertility from chlamydia nearly disappears. A woman who had chlamydia treatment in the past should consider herself as fertile but should contract her GP if she has not conceived after trying for a year.

In men, complications are rarer but can include epididymitis (pain and swelling around the testicles) and a form of arthritis called Reiter’s Syndrome.

Symptoms

Remember! Most people that have chlamydia will not have any signs or symptoms. If you do have any they may be listed below:

 

Women

• Unusual or heavier than normal vaginal discharge.
• Pain when passing urine.
• Pain during sex.
• Abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Irregular bleeding in between periods or after sex.

 

Men

• Discharge from the tip of the penis
• Pain or burning whilst passing urine
• Irritation at the tip of the penis
• Painful, swollen testicles

If you have symptoms and are worried, you should seek help from the Sexual Health Clinic. Go to our get a test page to find details of your local clinic.

Who can I talk to if I'm worried?

Enfield and Haringey Chlamydia Screening Programme

t: 020 8362 7637/8 or 07939 827 222
Mon- Fri 9:30am-5:30pm
web: www.gettested.co.uk

Your local GUM clinic - Town Clinic

t: 020 8362 7630 (information); 020 8362 7639 (appointments only)
Monday to Friday, 2-3.

St Ann's Clinic

t: 020 8442 6536 (appointments and information)

Family Planning Association helpline

t: 0845 310 1334

Sexual Health Line

t: 0800 567 123
web: www.playingsafely.co.uk

Getting Sorted

What if I don't want to take the test?

This is not a problem. You have every right to refuse to take part in any programme. It will not affect the way you are looked after in the future. If you change your mind, you are welcome to come for a test at any time.

Will the antibiotics clear the infection completely?

Yes, providing you follow the instructions you are given. It's important not to have sex until both you and your partner have been treated. Once chlamydia has been successfully treated, it won't come back unless a new infection is picked up.

Will I ever need to have another test?

You should have another test if you or your partner have unprotected sex with someone else in the future. We don't mind how often you have a test!

If my test is clear does this mean my partner is also clear?

No. Your test tells you about yourself and not your partner.

How do I let my partner(s) know?

You can discuss with the nurse how to inform your partner (partner notification) when you attend the clinic and we can give you information to give to them. Alternatively you can arrange with the chlamydia screening nurse to bring them along with you when you attend for treatment - that way they can get tested and treated straight away. If you feel unable to inform your partner(s), the nurse advisor can contact them confidentially.