Chlamydia
Chlamydia (pronounced kla-mid-e-uh) is one of the most common STIs in Australia especially in the 14-25 year old age group.
Symptoms
- Around 70% females and 50% males with chlamydia may have no symptoms, so people may pass an infection on without knowing they have it.
- Girls with chlamydia may notice cramps, pain below the tummy, changes with their periods, a change in vaginal discharge and pain when passing urine.
- Guys with chlamydia may notice a discharge from the penis, swollen/sore testes or testicles and pain when passing urine.
- If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to complications such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in women, and infertility in both men and women.
How do you get it?
It’s spread through unsafe sexual contact. You can get chlamydia through vaginal, anal or oral sex. Both girls and guys can get chlamydia.
Testing for chlamydia
Testing for chlamydia is easy and may require just a urine sample.
What’s the treatment?
If you have the infection, it can be easily treated and cured with a single dose of antibiotics.
But it is important to remember that your partner/s will also need testing and treatment. This is called Contact Tracing. Re-infection is common especially if your partner/s is not treated and this will increase your risk of complications such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or infertility.
What to do
For advice, see your local doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic.
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