• Home
  • About Online Health
  • The Online Doctor
  • Login to Patient Record
  • Register

LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor Blog Homepage

  • Men’s Health
    • Erectile Dysfunction
    • Premature Ejaculation
    • Hair Loss
  • Women’s Health
    • Contraceptive Pill
    • Cystitis
    • Morning After Pill
    • Period delay
  • Sexual health
    • Contraception
    • Fertility
    • Sex drive
    • STIs
    • Ask the Sexpert
    • How to last longer in bed
    • STI Risk Calculator – Sex Degrees of Separation
  • General health
    • Allergies
    • Asthma
    • Diabetes
    • Exercise
    • Flu
    • HPV
    • Mental health
    • Nutrition
    • Stop smoking
    • Travel
  • News and information

Chlamydia 101 – what is it and how do you get rid of it?

Visit our STI testing clinic

What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK.

It’s caused by the bacteria ‘chlamydia trachomatis’, which is found in the semen or vaginal fluid of those that carry the infection. Simply put, it’s a bacterial infection.

How do you catch chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be transmitted through the transfer of sexual fluids (semen and vaginal fluids), usually through genital contact. It can be passed on from unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, but it can also spread by sharing vibrators or other sex toys that haven’t been washed and covered with a new condom each time they’re used.

Chlamydia symptoms

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Bleeding between periods, heavier periods, pain or bleeding during sex
  • Pain or a burning feeling when urinating
  • Pain in the lower abdomen

However, around 50% of men and 70% of women with chlamydia are asymptomatic – this means they do not experience any physical symptoms, so they may have the infection and not realise it, making it easy to pass on.

If chlamydia is left untreated it can have serious complications, such as infertility and miscarriage. Because of this, it’s incredibly important to get tested if you think you’ve been exposed to it, or if you’ve recently had unprotected sex.

How to prevent getting infected with chlamydia

  • Use a condom every time you have sex.
  • Use a dental dam to cover female genitals during oral sex.
  • Never share sex toys.
  • Get tested regularly, especially if you are having unprotected sex or have new partners.
  • Talk openly and honestly with partners about your and their sexual health.

How to get tested for chlamydia

While it can seem embarrassing or stressful to go through STI testing, be assured that there’s nothing scary about it. If you go to the GP or a clinic, the professionals there will talk you through the process calmly. Alternatively, you can even do it from the privacy of your own home.

Check out our STI test guide for information on getting a chlamydia test. 

How to get treated for chlamydia

If you have chlamydia with no symptoms you will be prescribed a course of antibiotics. If you have chlamydia with symptoms, you’ll be referred to a clinic for treatment.

Do not have sex until the infection has cleared and you have completely finished your treatment to prevent passing it on to someone else.

How to stop chlamydia spreading

If you do test positive, it’s important to tell former partners so that they too can get tested and prevent the infection from spreading. If you are concerned about telling them, the clinic at which you get tested or treated can contact your past partners for you.

With new partners always use a condom and ensure you’re both up-to-date with a recent STI test. And if you notice anything strange, get it checked out.

Visit our STI testing clinic

Sep 7, 2018Dr Kieran Seyan
The state of STIs in EnglandCan you find the vagina?
mm
Dr Kieran Seyan
September 7, 2018 Sexual Health, STIssexual health, STI, STI test
Recent posts
  • Our guide to cosying up with someone new this Christmas
  • Don’t let ED get in the way of some festive fun
  • How often should couples have sex?
  • Feeling run down? How to spot a winter cold, the flu or a Christmas hangover
  • Mental health in lockdown
Contact Us

Address: Mezzanine Floor, 50-54 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 2AU

Phone: 020 7989 9888

Recent Posts
  • Our guide to cosying up with someone new this Christmas
  • Don’t let ED get in the way of some festive fun
  • How often should couples have sex?
Most Viewed
Viagra, Cialis and Levitra – which is best?
195,566 views
What is Kamagra?
131,823 views
Visit LloydsPharmacy
Online Doctor
LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor. All rights reserved © 2016