Chlamydia Testing London

This is a very common bacterial STD. It often has no symptoms, but it is easy to treat once diagnosed.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a super common bacterial infection that you can contract from sexual contact with another individual. A significant number of people contract it yearly; most commonly among 14 – 24 years old. As a bacteria, chlamydia is spread through anal, oral, or vaginal sex. The carrier mechanisms for this infection are precum, semen, and vaginal fluids.

Chlamydia can infect the vagina, penis, anus, cervix, urethra, eyes, and even throat. Most people infected with chlamydia feel totally healthy and have no symptoms, so they might be unaware that they’re infected. The use of antibiotics is an easy treatment for this infection. But if neglected, it can become catastrophic to your health in future. That’s why STD testing is paramount. The sooner you get tested and diagnosed, the faster you can cure it. Chlamydia can be prevented by using condoms during sex.

How do you get Chlamydia?

Chlamydia isn’t spread through casual contact. You can’t get it by sharing food, hugging, kissing, coughing, holding hands, sitting on the toilet, or sneezing.

It can be contracted through:

• Vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected person even if no one cums
• Chlamydia can be passed on from an infected mother to a newborn during birth

Symptoms of Chlamydia

Chlamydia can be so sneaky that you may not suspect you’re infected. Sometimes the symptoms can be so mild and unnoticeable. They can be mistaken for something else which is why it is a very common infection, and it’s so apt to get tested. If you do have chlamydia, it may take up to several weeks to show up but, there are signs to look out for in men and women:

• Pain during sex
• Pain in lower abdomen
• Pain or burning while peeing
• Abnormal vaginal discharge (with a yellowish colour and a strong smell)
• Swollen or tender testicles
• Bleeding between periods
• Pus or a watery/milky discharge from the penis
• Pain, discharge and bleeding around the anus
• Redness, itching, or discharge from the eyes (in case of eye infection)

Chlamydia infections in the throat cause soreness, but it’s rare.

How can you prevent Chlamydia?

Since this infection is spread through sexual intercourse, your best chance is to avoid vaginal, anal, or oral sex. This may not work for some persons, so we recommend the use of condoms and dental dams.

Chlamydia Test

This is done through a urine test or swab test. We collect these cell samples from your urethra, vagina cervix, or anus to test for the bacteria. You should get tested at STI Clinic London; it’s safe and confidential.

Treatment

We would get you antibiotics to treat the infection. Sometimes, you may only take one dose of medication but, we’ll help you figure out the best treatment for you. You’ll get to know everything about Chlamydia including its complications. Do well also to inform your sexual partner to get tested as well. You can call STI Clinic London on 020 7183 0649, to schedule an appointment.