What is Chlamydia?
A bacterial organism (called Chlamydia trachomatis) causes chlamydia. This infection is found in both semen and vaginal fluids affecting both women and men. Chlamydia, as a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), is increasing in the population, especially in the younger age group (both in men and in women). In most cases when chlamydia is present, there are no obvious symptoms. A simple urine test or a swab (for both men and women) will identify chlamydia, and the treatment is straightforward (an antibiotic course for both sexual partners).
This bacteria may affect various organs such as the vagina, the penis, anus, eye, throat, and the cervix. At IPSA Medical we place importance on getting checked regularly as it may also cause permanent damage if left untreated. If left untreated it can cause infertility, constant pain and inflammation and it can lead to complications in pregnancy for women. The majority of people with this infection do not show symptoms, which is another reason why it’s essential to get tested. For those who do have symptoms, there are various symptoms in men and women.
Symptoms in Men include:
- A whitish, cloudy or watery discharge
- Pain when urinating
- Burning or itching in the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body)
- Pain and swelling in the testicles
Symptoms in Women include:
- A change in vaginal discharge
- Pain when urinating
- Pain in the belly or lower back
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
The disease can be passed on in various way:
- Unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex
- Sharing sex toys that are not washed or covered with a condom each time they are used on a different person
- Your genitals (penis or vagina) coming into contact with your partner’s genitals
- Infected semen or vaginal fluid getting in your eye
Chlamydia testing is simple, efficient and painless and can be tested by giving a sample of urine or lightly wiping a swab (small cotton bud) over the area that might be infected
At your IPSA Medical clinic, you can see a medical expert on your own or jointly with your current sexual partner. We will examine your previous sexual history and then offer a range of appropriate sexual health-screening tests. Urine samples/bacterial swabs can take from 3–5 days to come back. We will notify you immediately when your results are in. Your doctor will personally go through your results with you, answer any queries, or give you support if any further steps are necessary.
If Chlamydia is found, it’s essential for it to be treated as soon as possible. The infection is treated with antibiotics and the most popular treatments are a single dose of Azithromycin or a week-long course of Doxycycline.
Possible side-effects of treatment:
In most cases, patients will experience mild symptoms from the treatment but some symptoms do include:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Nausea
Chlamydia testing: £95.00
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