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Self Testing for
Chlamydia
Dr Alex Roberts
November 2007
Chlamydia is the most common
sexually transmitted infection (STI)
in the UK.
It affects both sexes and young
people are most at risk – if you are
under 25 and sexually active you
have a 1 in 10 chance of having
chlamydia.
Are there any symptoms?
In females, symptoms include
cystitis, a change in vaginal
discharge or vaginal bleeding and
lower abdominal pain. In males there
may be irritation and a discharge
from the tip of the penis.
The problem is that most people
do not have any symptoms. 80% of
females and 50% of males with
chlamydia do not have any symptoms
at all so don’t know they have it.
Why is it important to treat?
If chlamydia is not treated it can
cause long term problems. In females
it can cause a chronic pelvic
infection that may damage the
fallopian tubes and cause
infertility, in males it can cause
inflamed and swollen testicles and
also affect sperm function and male
fertility.
How is it treated?
Chlamydia is easily treated with
antibiotics. Normally this means
just taking four antibiotic tablets
at the same time and the infection
is then treated. Sometimes a longer
course of antibiotics may be needed.
How do I test for chlamydia?
Testing for chlamydia is easy
and free.
For those under 25 there is a
self test pack for chlamydia.
Ask your doctor, nurse or at
reception for a test pack – you can
then do the test for chlamydia
yourself at the surgery. The test is
very easy and for females involves
inserting a swab into the lower
vaginal area, for males the test can
be done on a sample of urine.
The chlamydia self test pack (for
under 25’s) is part of a national
screening programme that Park
Surgery is involved with.
What if I’m over 25?
Please ask your GP or nurse about
testing for chlamydia. |
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