Hormones 2016

Chlamydia
How can I stay safer?
Using a condom or Femidom cuts the chance of getting or passing on STI’s
- the condom or Femidom is the only type of contraception that offers any
protection against them.
Condoms and Femidoms don’t take away all the risk, however, as they may
not cover the part of the body where the sexually transmitted infection
(STI) is (such as a herpes sore or a syphilis rash). Also, some STI’s are
spread during types of sex where people are not likely to use condoms or
Femidoms, eg, oral sex.
You can still get an STI if you have very few sexual partners - but the more
sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to have sex with someone
with an infection.
These reduce the risk of STI’s being passed on -
• using condoms or Femidoms,
• having fewer partners,
• being checked for STI’s.
STI’s are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex,
genital contact, or rarely oral sex.
You can be tested for STI’s at a sexual health clinic, genitourinary medicine
(GUM) clinic or at your GP’s surgery.
These are listed in alphabetical order, not in order of severity.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK and is easily passed on
during sex. Most people don’t experience any symptoms, so they are
unaware they’re infected. In women, chlamydia can cause pain or a burning
sensation when urinating, a vaginal discharge, pain in the lower abdomen
during or after sex, and bleeding during or after sex or between periods. It
can also cause heavy periods.
In men, chlamydia can cause pain or a burning sensation when urinating,
a white, cloudy or watery discharge from the tip of the penis, and pain or
tenderness in the testicles.
It’s also possible to have a chlamydia infection in your rectum (bottom),
throat or eyes.
Diagnosing chlamydia is done with a urine test or by taking a swab of the
affected area. The infection is easily treated with antibiotics, but can lead to
serious long-term health problems if left untreated, including infertility.
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