Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. It is one of the most common sexual transmitted infections, and can be passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex. It also may be passed on from parent to baby in childbirth.
It is particularly common in teenagers and young adults, between the ages of 14-24.
You can order an online testing kit for free through our website to see if you have chlamydia. It can usually be easily treated with a course of antibiotics.
Click here to find out more about Chlamydia.
Most people with chlamydia will not have symptoms. It is important to test regularly and when changing partners. You can get a free, confidential sexual health test from axess.
When symptoms occur in people with a vagina, it usually appears as changes in vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or irregular periods.
When symptoms occur in people with a penis, it usually appears as pain when passing urine, or a discharge from the end of the penis.
You can order an online testing kit for free through our website to see if you have chlamydia. 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.
Chlamydia may take two weeks to show up in a test from the time of infection.
Yes. Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Condoms can help prevent chlamydia transmission. You can order condoms for free through our website, or collect these from your nearest axess clinic.
Testing each time you change your sexual partner can help reduce the spread of all STIs.
It is possible for some people to experience long term problems from chlamydia, these include reduced fertility or an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and ongoing testicular pain and reactive arthritis.
If chlamydia is present when giving birth it can pass from parent to child, potentially leading to eye infections and pneumonia.
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.
Click here to find out more about LGV.
Some people have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include:
If you are concerned that you may have LGV, or you have symptoms, you can visit your local axess clinic for a Chlamydia screen. If this is positive, the sample will then be checked for LGV.
If you are positive, you will then need to let your sexual partners know so they can be treated.
LGV can be treated with antibiotics.
If left untreated, LGV can cause scarring and swelling of the skin. It can also cause permanent swelling of the testicles.
Rectal scarring and swelling can lead to long-term bowel complications.
