Chlamydia

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is among the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK and is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.

The infection can be passed on in a number of ways, including:

• Unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex
• Sharing sex toys that are not cleaned or protected after each use
• Genital contact
• Infected semen or vaginal fluid getting into your eye

It is also possible for chlamydia to be passed on from a pregnant woman to her child.

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What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

A majority of people may not experience any symptoms.

If symptoms do occur, however, they typically manifest within 3 weeks after engaging in unprotected sex with an infected person. Some people may not experience symptoms until months after the initial infection.

More than half of men with chlamydia experience no symptoms. Possible symptoms of chlamydia in men are:

• Pain when urinating
• Cloudy, white or watery discharge from the tip of the penis
• Burning or itching in the urethra
• Testicular pain

Symptoms of chlamydia are more common in women and may include:

• Pain when urinating
• Vaginal discharge
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
• Pain during sex
• Bleeding after sex or between periods

In both sexes, chlamydia can cause discomfort and discharge from the rectum after unprotected anal sex. If infected fluids come into contact with the eyes, it can result in a condition called conjunctivitis, which causes redness, pain and discharge from the eyes.

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause infertility in both men and women. It can also cause ectopic pregnancy or pelvic inflammatory disease in women.

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How can you prevent chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be caught by any sexually active person. Engaging in unprotected sex (sex without the use of condoms and other barrier methods) can put you at a greater risk of becoming infected.

There are a number of ways you can reduce the risk of catching chlamydia:

• Use a condom every time you engage in anal, oral or vaginal sex
• Avoid sharing sex toys with partners

It is recommended to be annually tested for chlamydia if you are under the age of 25 and after every time you change sexual partner.

If you believe you have chlamydia, you should be tested sooner rather than later to mitigate any risk of complications.

Tests can be provided from your local sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic, a hospital and some pharmacies and GP surgeries. If you are unsure where to go, you can use the NHS Service Search to find an STI testing and treatment centre near you, or call 111 for information on services in your area.

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Staying safe with Prescription Doctor

If you test positive for chlamydia, the Prescription Doctor can offer a selection of treatments such as:

• Azithromycin
• Doxycycline

Our treatments are dispensed from a UK-registered pharmacy and delivered in secured and discreet packaging straight to your door for your convenience. Our doctors are on hand to prescribe the right treatment for you and put to rest any concerns you have about your condition or medicine.

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Additional resources

How long does it take to get rid of chlamydia?

References

More information about Chlamydia from the NHS