• Chlamydia (pronounced kla-mid-ee-a) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria which can affect both men and women
• About 1 in 10 people under 25 who have been tested, are infected with Chlamydia
• Most people won't have any obvious signs or symptoms, or only get mild symptoms which they don't notice; so most people won't know they have the infection
• If left untreated, in some people Chlamydia can cause longer term health problems including infertility (not being able to have a baby) in both men and women , and pain, especially in the abdomen (area below your belly button).

• You can be infected with Chlamydia, or pass it on to someone else, during sex
• The most common ways for people to get Chlamydia is through vaginal or anal sex with an infected person without using a condom
• Chlamydia can also be spread through oral sex or through sharing sex toys if you don't wash them or cover them with a new condom each time they are used
• Chlamydia can also be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy and childbirth. This may cause the newborn baby to have Conjunctivitis and/or Pneumonitis
• Chlamydia can't be passed on through kissing, by sharing towels, cutlery, cups and plates, or toilet seats.

Most people (70%) don't have any symptoms but if you do have any, it may be one or more of the following:

In women

• A vaginal discharge that is different to usual
• The need to pee more often
• Pain on peeing or during sex
• Pain or cramps in the lower abdomen (stomach)
• Any irregular bleeding between periods or after sex.

In men

• A clear/cloudy looking discharge from the tip of the penis
• Pain and/or burning when peeing
• Irritation at the tip of the penis
• Painful swelling of the testicles (balls).

If either of you have symptoms and are worried that it may be a sexually transmitted infection, you should seek help from a Sexual and Reproductive Clinic, GUM clinic or your GP.

If left untreated, in some people Chlamydia can cause longer term health problems including infertility in both men and women (not being able to have a baby), and pain, especially in the abdomen (area below your belly button).

What would happen if it's not treated?

In women Chlamydia can cause:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• An increased risk of miscarriage & premature labour
• Ectopic Pregnancy (baby develops outside the womb)
• Infertility (unable to have a baby)
• Pneumonia & Conjunctivitis in babies
• You can still be treated for Chlamydia even if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

In men Chlamydia can cause:

• Painful infection in the testicles (balls)
• Reduced fertility
• Reiters syndrome (reactive Arthritis).

Untreated, Chlamydia can cause infection in other areas of the body, sometimes causing damage and serious long-term complications.

The good news is that chlamydia is easy to treat. If you have chlamydia, you'll be given 4 antibiotics (all taken together) to clear it. It's really effective, but takes a week to work, so we advise you not to have any sex for one week following treatment. You will be advised by the Screening Office about where you can get treatment from. This will usually be from a sexual health clinic, your GP or young people's clinic (for example Brook). Your personal data is confidential and your details will not be shared with any other agency.

If you have Chlamydia, it’s really important that your partner(s) is treated to stop them having problems in the future, passing the infection on to others, or maybe even passing the infection back to you.  It's important you do not have sex until you and your current partner(s) have finished the antibiotics.

If you find it difficult to tell your partner(s), speak to one of the staff in the Screening Office or at the screening centre about how to do it.  If you feel unable to tell a partner, the screening office staff can do it for you.  We can contact them without mentioning your name, so that they can get treatment too.

• Using condoms will also help protect you from many other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• Using condoms for vaginal and / or anal sex will protect you from HIV
• Make sure you know how to choose and use condoms correctly: Like men, condoms come in different sizes. Experiment and choose a brand that fits you.

Condoms are available free from most GPs and contraceptive clinics. If you are under 25, you could sign up for a c-card and get a regular supply of condoms hassle free.

If you have ever had sex without a condom, you may have picked up an STI.

Often people with STIs have no symptoms. That is why it's a good idea to have a sexual health check-up once a year or every time you have a new sexual partner.

Some GPs offer a sexual health service. Or you may prefer to visit a sexual health (GUM) clinic at your local hospital.

Sexual health (GUM) clinics can be very busy. BUT if you have symptoms (e.g. burning, pain, or sores) you will usually be seen quickly.

Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs. Left untreated, it can cause infertility in both men and women, as well as other serious problems. IN MOST CASES, CHLAMYDIA HAS NO SYMPTOMS. CHLAMYDIA IS EASILY TREATED WITH ANTIBIOTICS.

If you have any worries about your sexual health, talk to your GP, make an appointment at your local sexual health clinic, or:

If you are 18 or under call Sexwise on 0800 28 29 30

If you are over 18 call Sexual Health Line 0800 567 123

If you are a man who has sex with men, call THT Direct 0845 12 21 200

If you are under 16, we are unable to send you a postal kit. Please come in to our young people's service at Brook Euston or the Brandon Centre or any of our Contraceptive Services, where you can still get a free test by doing a simple pee-in-a-pot