artwork c/o sally agar

Chlamydia

by Editor

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection affecting the genitalia of both men and women. It can also infect the rectum (back passage), throat and eyes. If left untreated it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women.

Symptoms

It often has no symptoms, which is why it’s super important that you get checked if you’ve had unprotected sex.
If symptoms do appear they are likely to include:

IN GIRLS:

Vaginal discharge
Pain when passing water
Bleeding between periods
Bleeding after sex
Abdominal pain

IN BOYS:

A discharge from the penis
A burning sensation or pain when passing urine

Diagnosis

Chlamydia is diagnosed by taking a swab test or urine test.

Treatment

Treatment is with antibiotics. Don’t have sex for at least a week after you have the treatment to ensure that it is treated properly. It is treatable, so get it checked out!

Prevention

Don’t feel pressured into saying yes to having sex. It’s ok to say no. Remember the more people you have sex with the more likely you are to be infected. If you are sexually active, have regular screening and make sure your partner is screened too. Use condoms, although they are not 100%, they will reduce your chances of getting infections if they are used correctly EVERY time you have sex.