Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can be passed on through unprotected sex. It is one of the most common STIs, and it is important that if any individual thinks they have been put at risk of infection that they visit their local sexual health clinic or look for Chlamydia Testing kits Bexley way that will allow them to take the tests in the comfort of their own home.
Chlamydia is an infection that is particularly prevalent in under 25s. The NHS recommends that all young men and women get themselves tested at least once a year and after they have sex with casual partners or if they have not used protection.
One of the difficulties in detecting a chlamydia infection is the fact that in most people, there will be no obvious symptoms. Of the symptoms that are experienced, the most common ones include:
- Painful urination
- Discharge that is unusual and occurs from the vagina, penis and bottom
- Stomach pain and bleeding after sex in women
- Abnormal bleeding between periods
- Pain and swelling in the testicles in men
As mentioned above, chlamydia can be contracted through unprotected vagina and anal sex as well as from sharing sex toys that have not been washed and through infected bodily fluids coming into contact with your eyes. You can also pick it up from genital contact that does not require penetration. It is also possible for pregnant women to pass the infection onto their babies.
When not treated, chlamydia can cause further problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women and infertility in both men and women. Getting tested regularly and treating the infection can help to prevent this from happening.
The test for chlamydia is relatively easy to undertake and will consist of either a urine test or a swab test. When you do this through an at-home kit, you will then send the swab off for analysis, and you will receive your results via email or text. If your results are positive, you can then visit your doctor or local sexual health clinic to receive medication that will help to remove the infection. Another test will then be undertaken to ensure that it has gone, and you will be advised on how to protect yourself from picking the infection up again in the future.
Eleena Timmons