What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of the most common Sexually transmitted infections in the UK. It is important to get tested for chlamydia every three months or when you change sexual partners.

It is particularly common in teenagers and young adults.

How is it Transmitted?

The most common way of people in the UK getting chlamydia is through unprotected sex.

Chlamydia a bacterial infection mainly spread through sex or contact with infected semen or vaginal fluids. This usually happens during sex or sexual contact with someone who is infected. This includes vaginal, anal or oral sex and sharing sex toys with someone who is infected.

You do not have to have penetrative sex to get chlamydia. It can still be caught even without orgasm or ejaculation.

It can be caught by getting infected semen or vaginal fluids in your eye.

Pregnant women with chlamydia can pass the infection on to their unborn baby.

It is not passed through spit, kissing, bites, sneezes, unbroken skin, sharing towels, sharing cutlery or using the same toilet.

What are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?

Although chlamydia does not usually cause symptoms, it can still be serious if left untreated. It can spread to other parts of the body and cause long term health problems and even infertility. This is why it is important to get tested and treated for chlamydia if you think you may have caught it.

Chlamydia Testing

The only way to find out if you have chlamydia is to have a chlamydia test. Anyone who thinks they could have Chlamydia should get tested.

We provide chlamydia testing free of charge to anyone living in the Dudley Borough between the ages of 16 and 25.

We use urine tests for men, and internal swabs for women. Women are asked to use a swab as it will give a more accurate result. You will be asked to collect the samples yourself in the toilet. We will provide you with support and an instruction leaflet to carry out the test.

What is the Treatment for Chlamydia?

Chlamydia can usually be treated with antibiotics. You should not have sex until you have finished treatment.

Previous and current sexual partners should be informed that they may have caught chlamydia. You can either notify them yourself, or ask for support from the clinic where you received your test. If the clinic notify them, they will keep your information private and confidential.