What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium that lives as a parasite inside human cells. Early Chlamydia infections are generally limited to the urinary tract where the bacteria grows and develops in the urethra.
Typical symptoms of a urethral infection include itching, pain on urination, and occasionally some discharge. Chlamydia can also infect the urinary tract and reproductive organs in men causing swelling or inflammation of the testicles, pain on urination, reduced fertility and penile discharge.
It is important to remember that whilst a Chlamydia infection can have the symptoms described above, many infections have no symptoms at all. If you are sexually active it is crucial get tested regularly to be sure you are aware of your status. A Chlamydia infection is easy to treat but it is also very easy to pass it on to a partner. Getting tested is the only way to know if you carry this infection. Book your test now.
Did you know? …
Chlamydia is frequently asymptomatic, meaning that approximately 80% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms. Testing is the only was to be certain if you carry this harmful STI.
How can I get Chlamydia?
Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, oral or anal sex. This is because the bacteria can thrive in various regions of the body including the penis, vagina, anus, and throat.
How do I know if I have Chlamydia?
It is often difficult to know whether or not you are infected with Chlamydia, but symptoms may include:
- Burning or painful sensation when urinating, and fever, in women and men
- In women: abnormal discharge from the vagina, unusual pain during sex, bleeding between periods and back pain.
- In men: abnormal discharge from the penis, inflamed or swollen testicles and/or discomfort around the tip of the penis.
How can I test for Chlamydia?
Getting tested for Chlamydia with Better2Know is fast and easy. The test requires a urine sample, or a swab from your throat, anus or vagina. The test results are available 1 day from when the sample is received in our laboratory. The Chlamydia test is available as a separate test or can be combined with other tests. It is also available within many of our screening options.
How is Chlamydia treated?
Chlamydia can be effectively cured with antibiotics once it has been detected. Better2Know can provide you with the treatment that you will need.
What are the risks if Chlamydia is left untreated?
If left untreated, a Chlamydia infection can permanently damage the sexual organs, leading to infertility in women and reduced fertility in men. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and one of the most common yet preventable causes of infertility.
When a Chlamydia infection reaches the uterus and fallopian tubes it can progress to a condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can result in scarring and other damage to the fallopian tubes restricting or preventing the passage of eggs raising the risks of ectopic pregnancies and loss of fertility.
In pregnant women, a Chlamydia infection can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, ectopic pregnancy and other dangerous complications. The baby can also be exposed to the infection during delivery, which can cause blindness or pneumonia. Book your test now to protect your health and the health of your loved ones.