Sexually transmitted diseases can sometimes be embarassing to get treatment for, but at Ashcroft Pharmacy we make sure you can be treated discretly and safely. Once you have confirmed your diagnosis through a chlamydia test kit, fill out the health questionnaire below and we will deliver your treatment to your doorstep.
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Chlamydia can be contracted at any age but it is most common in those under the age of 25. Chlamydia can be spread through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral), sharing sex toys or your genitals coming into contact with another person’s genitals.
Diagnosis of chlamydia
The only way to know if you have chlamydia is to get tested. Fortunately, the available methods of testing are quick and painless. You can purchase chlamydia tests online, or you can go to your GP or local sexual health clinic, where you can have a chlamydia test for free. A Chlamydia test is often a urine sample that is sent to a laboratory for analysis. If you test positive for chlamydia, your sexual partner(s) must be treated for chlamydia at the same time to avoid reinfection. It is also advised that you contact any sexual partners you have had in the last six months and let them know that you have tested positive for chlamydia. Leaving chlamydia untreated can cause many complications such as infertility.
Prevention for chlamydia
You should take the following measures to reduce the risk of contracting chlamydia:
Use a condom during penetrative sex. This applies to both vaginal and anal intercourse.
During oral sex use a condom to cover the penis.
If using sex toys, don’t share them with others without first washing the toy or covering it with a fresh condom.
If performing oral sex on the female genitals, or when rubbing female genitals together, make use of a device called a dental dam. A dental dam is a thin piece of latex or plastic used to cover the female genitals.
Causes
Chlamydia is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia Trachomatis and can be spread between people through the sexual fluids produced by the penis and vagina. This means chlamydia can be transmitted without penetration or ejaculation. Chlamydia cannot be caught through casual contact, e.g. holding hands, kissing, or sharing household outcomes such as towels, baths or cutlery.
Symptoms
Most people that are suffering from chlamydia do not experience symptoms at all. When noticeable symptoms occur, it will usually be 1 to 3 weeks after being exposed to the infection.
Chlamydia symptoms in women include:
Chlamydia symptoms in men include:
A noticeable change in any vaginal discharge
Lower abdominal pain
Bleeding between periods and heavier periods than normal
If chlamydia is left untreated, you are at risk of many complications such as infertility. If you have chlamydia, you must get it treated. It will NOT go away on its own, it will in fact get a lot worse.
How long does it take for symptoms to appear after I get infected with chlamydia?
Most people do not show symptoms at all. It can take one to three weeks for the symptoms to develop, however they can occur months later. You can have no symptoms but still carry the infection and have the ability to infect others.
Do I have to tell my partner if I have chlamydia?
It is important you tell your current partner and other sexual partners within the last 6 months if you have been tested positive for chlamydia to prevent further spread of chlamydia and to prevent complications
Is chlamydia curable?
Yes. Chlamydia is completely curable after taking a short course of antibiotics. This is the only way to cure chlamydia.
What should I do if my partner tells me I have chlamydia?
You may want to get chlamydia treatment without being tested if you have had unprotected sex witth someone that has chlamydia. You can also get a Chlamydia test to see if you have a positive result. If you do get a positive result, you will need to take antibiotic treatment to cure your Chlamydia infection.