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Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial STIs in the UK and is easily treated with antibiotics. Often people have no symptoms, but chlamydia can cause serious complications if left untreated.

Symptoms:

  • Burning when peeing
  • Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus
  • Symptoms for people with a vagina – lower tummy pain, bleeding after sex and / or bleeding between periods
  • Symptoms for people with a penis – testicle pain and / or swelling

Testing:

  • If you have a vagina: a swab is taken from inside the vagina
  • If you have a penis: you give a urine sample
  • If you’ve had anal or oral sex: a swab may be taken from the rectum or throat also

If you’ve had chlamydia before and got treatment, you won’t be immune to the infection – you can get it again.

You cannot catch Chlamydia from kissing, hugging, sitting on toilet seats, sharing towels, cups, plates or cutlery, or from baths or swimming pools.

You can get Chlamydia by having sex (vaginal, anal, and oral, or by sharing sex toys) with someone who has the infection. Using condoms correctly helps prevent chlamydia. If you are using and sharing sex toys, play it safe and place condoms and water-based lube on them.

Download our patient leaflet for more information.

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