Chlamydia

What it is

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK and is on the increase. Women aged 16-24 and men aged 20-34 are at the greatest risk.

Symptoms

Up to 70% of women and up to 50% of men infected with chlamydia have no symptoms. Because of this, a substantial number of infections remain undiagnosed. Where there are symptoms, women may have discharge, pain when passing urine, heavy periods or bleeding between periods, lower abdominal pain or abdominal pain during vaginal sex. Men may notice discharge from the penis and/or burning when passing urine.

How it is treated

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility. New methods of testing for chlamydia are now available which will allow easier and more widespread screening of the infection.

Find out how to protect yourself against chlamydia and other STIs.