Chlamydia

What is chlamydia?

  • It's an infection which can be passed on during sex,nhs including oral sex and even with a condom
  • It is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK, and can affect both men and women. 1 in 10 sexually active people under 25 have it.
  • It often shows no symptoms, so you could be in contact with 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 not being able to have a baby in the future (men and women!)

Why is it important to be tested?

  • It is often without symptoms so can easily go undetected. You may not know you have it!
  • It can lead to serious problems including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women and men.
  • It's easily and completely cured 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
  • You can also pass the infection to the eyes if it is on the hands
  • 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 often should I test?

  • We recommend that you get a check-up at least every 6 months (just like going to the dentist) or more often if you are changing partner or have had unprotected sex.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Chlamydia often doesn't cause any symptoms but if you do have any, it may be one or more of the following:

In women

  • A vaginal discharge that is different to usual
  • The need to pass urine more often
  • Pain on passing urine or during sex
  • Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen
  • Any irregular bleeding between periods or after sex

In men

  • A discharge from the tip of the penis
  • Pain and/or burning when passing urine
  • Irritation at the tip of the penis
  • Painful swelling of the testicles

What if I or my partner has symptoms?

If either of you ever have symptoms and are worried that it may be a sexually transmitted infection, you should seek help from the GUM clinic.

I haven't got any symptoms and I feel fine. Do I really need to get tested?

YES!!! You should have a test if you've EVER been sexually active

Getting tested is a very responsible thing to do and is a sign that you value yourself and your health.

Who can I talk to if I'm worried?

The Chlamydia Screening Programme office: 01273 690 985
Your local GUM clinic (see http://www.condomessentialwear.co.uk/ to find your nearest one)

Family Planning Association helpline: 0845 310 1334
Sexual Health Line: 0800 567 123
http://www.playingsafely.co.uk/

If you are over 25:

You can take a chlamydia test by going along to your local sexual health clinic (see http://www.condomessentialwear.co.uk/ to find your nearest one), or make an appointment at your GP surgery. Unfortunately the local Chlamydia Screening Programme is for under 25s only.

The Chlamydia Screening Programme

If you are under 25:

You can do a self taken test through the Chlamydia Screening Programme, here is some useful information:

The Test & Treatment

What does the test involve?

  • Easy, self taken, no examination, and no needles!!
  • For women - simply take a vaginal swab ( much like using a tampon)
  • Men simply pee into a pot
  • Results come back within 2 weeks

How do I find out my test result?

  • If you have done a test directly through the Chlamydia Screening Programme or through one of the screening sites across the county, you will normally be contacted with your result within 2 weeks, by the preferred method that you stated on the test request form (normally text or mobile phone call).
  • All contact with you will be totally confidential

What happens if my test result is positive and I have Chlamydia?

  • A screening programme nurse will arrange a time to meet you (preferably with your current partner) and treat you with antibiotics.
  • Treatment is easy and free of charge!
  • These antibiotics are a one off dose and are successful in getting rid of Chlamydia in over 95% of cases.
  • All contact with you will be totally confidential
  • It's important you don't have sex for 7 days and that your current and recent partners also get tested and treated to avoid re-infection.

Remember

Using condoms every time you have sex can reduce the risk of getting or passing on chlamydia or other STIs.

Postal Request

If you require a test to be sent via post please contact us either by calling 01273 690985, or going onto our website: http://www.givemethetest.com/ and we will send a pack to you.

Your test form is really easy to fill in. You must provide your name; postcode, date of birth and one form of contact as a minimum so that we can contact you.

If you would rather be contacted by phone or text rather than by letter just say on the form.

Failure to provide correct contact details or your name and address may mean that we are unable to process your test.

Contact Us

Tel: 01273 690985
Fax: 01273 691025
Email: info@thebigscreen-sussex.co.uk