Chlamydia: What You Need To Know

Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis.  Some estimates suggest that approximately 25% of sexually active 18 -25 years will contract the infection at some point.  It very much is the young person’s disease.

 

How Does It Spread

Generally speaking chlamydia will spread during vaginal, oral or anal sex.  It can also be passed on from a mother to their child during childbirth.  It can also be spread through eye infections, personal contact or communal use of towels.

 

Signs and Symptoms

For most people with the disease they won’t notice any symptoms at all.  Approximately 50% of men and 75% of women will show no symptoms at all.  Below is a list of symptoms

 

• Burning sensation when peeing
• Discharge from Penis/ Vagina
• Swelling of one or both testicles
• Inflammation of the pelvis
• Testicular pain

 

Generally speaking symptoms will take approximately 2-3 weeks from infection to be noticeable.

 

How To Test For It?

Your bulk billing GP can test for it.  Testing can be done via a urine test or a swab of the cervix, penis or urethra.  Generally it is recommended that you get tested yearly for Chlamydia if you a sexually active person between the ages of 16-25.  This is when people are most at risk of contracting the disease.

 

How Do I Prevent It?

The best form of prevention is simply by not having sex.  However, for most people past the age of 18 this simply is not an option.  The best way not to contract it is to have sex with a condom.  While not 100% effective it drastically reduces your chances of contracting the sexually transmitted infection.

 

How Do I Get Rid Of It?

The good news it that the infection is relatively easy to get rid of.  Chlamydia is cured by taking antibiotics with either azithromycin or doxycycline as the active ingredient.  If you find out that you have the infection, simply go to your GP to get a script for a once only oral pill containing these active ingredients.

If you do have it, make sure to inform your sexual partners of their need to get checked.  Infected people should refrain from having sex for 7 days after taking the pill and being symptom free.  It is also recommended that you get tested for HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis as a precautionary measure.

Chlamydia does not make you a dirty, morally corrupt person.  This particular STI is very common in young people.  And the good news is that it is easily treatable.  So please get tested yearly and if you have it, get it treated and let your sexual partners know to do the same for the benefit of everyone.  If we as a society can smash the stigma associated with this STI’s, then everyone will all be healthier as a result.

If you think you have an STD then visit our STD Testing Brisbane North