Chlamydia TrachomatisOften having no visible symptoms, Chlamydia (also know as "the clap") is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK and is caused by microscopic bacterium called Chlamydia Trachomatis (right).
Only about half of men and three-quarters of women infected with Chlamydia actually go on to display any symptoms of the virus often meaning that it goes undetected for months at a time and is transmitted unknowingly.
Transmission
Chlamydia is usually transferred via the genitals during sexual contact, but can also be passed from mother to child if a mother is pregnant and (more notably) birthing whilst infected.
To help stop the spread of Chlamydia it is recommended (as it generally is) that you use condoms with partners. If you do not want to use condoms, you and your partner should get the all clear through a sexual health checkup before thinking of ditching protection.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Chlamydia are:
- Cystitis
- Change in vaginal discharge
- Mild lower abdominal pain
These symptoms are very general and are often not recognised as being part of Chlamydia (if they are), if you experience these symptoms and would like to make sure it is not part of Chlamydia you are entitled to ask your GP to take a test.
In men the most common cause discharge from the penis is Chlamydia. It can also cause the tip of the penis (the urethra) to become sore which usually clears up after a day or two. While these discomforts might disappear, it doesn't mean that the infection has, so it is wise to get checked at your GPs or at a GUM clinic just in case.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Testing for women can either be done by her inserting a swab into her vagina and bottling it up to be checked in a lab, or by a urine sample. Men are usually just asked to give a urine sample (to avoid the discomfort of a swab) but some clinics still use a swab due to it being more accurate and cost effective.
Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics, the best are apparently Tetracyclines or Macrolides. It is important to ask any sexual partners you may have come in contact with or are still having sex with to get themselves checked to avoid reinfection (as the symptoms can remain unseen for some time).