Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection and is one of the most common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and the most common amongst 14 to 24 year olds.

How can I catch Chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex and from mum to baby in childbirth.

What are the symptoms?

Most people with chlamydia will not have symptoms. It is therefore important to test regularly and when changing partners. When symptoms occur in females they can cause changes in vaginal discharge, pelvic pain or irregular periods. When symptoms occur in males they can cause pain when passing urine or a discharge from the end of the penis.

How do I know if I've got it?

Testing is easy and includes a vaginal swab or a urine sample. Depending on your sexual history, you may also be offered rectal and throat swabs.

You can order order a postal STI test here or can find a clinic to get tested.

Chlamydia may take two weeks to show up in a test from the time of infection.

Can it be treated?

Yes. Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics.

How can it be prevented?

  • Condoms can help prevent chlamydia and are available at sexual health clinics.
  • Testing each time you change your sexual partner can help reduce the spread of all STIs.

What will happen if I have Chlamydia but I don’t get it treated?

It is possible for some people to experience long term problems from chlamydia, these include reduced fertility or an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy in women and ongoing testicular pain and reactive arthritis in men.

If chlamydia is present when giving birth it can pass from mother to child, potentially leading to eye infections and pneumonia.

For more information on Chlamydia visit here

LGV

What is LGV?

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is caused by a strain of Chlamydia bacteria that attacks the lymph nodes. LGV is usually found in men who have sex with men and is passed on through anal, vaginal and or oral sex (without a condom). There is a higher risk of transmitting LGV during group sex and through fisting or sharing sex toys.

What are the symptoms?

Some people have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include:

  • Painful inflammation of the rectum (proctitis) alongside bleeding, pus, constipation, or ulcers.
  • A fever, rash and swelling in the groin, armpit, or neck.
  • A small sore in the transmission point (rare).
  • Discharge from the penis and pain when urinating.
  • Swollen glands in the neck (rare).

How do I find out if I have it?

If you are concerned that you may have LGV or have symptoms, you can visit your local axess clinic for a Chlamydia screen, if this is positive then the sample will then be checked for LGV. If you are positive, then you will need to let your sexual partners know so that they can be treated.

What is the treatment?

Anti-biotics will be prescribed to treat LGV.

What happens if I have it but don’t get treated?

If left untreated, LGV can cause scarring and swelling of the skin and can also cause permanent swelling of the testicles. Rectal scarring and swelling can lead to long term bowel complications.

To find out more about LGV visit here