Chlamydia
What is it?
Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection affecting the genitalia of both men and women. It can also infect the rectum (beck 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.
