Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, or STI’s as they are known for short. Despite the fact that things like these Greenwich home STI kits are available https://www.greenwichsexualhealth.org/home_sti_kits/ there are many people who feel too embarrassed or worried to get tested for chlamydia.
However, being tested for this STI is incredibly important – because it is often symptomless, it is often not until later on in life that the devastating symptoms start to show, so if you have had unprotected sex it is always best to check to rule it out.
Sometimes it does come with symptoms, and if you have any of these and have had a chance of contracting chlamydia you should get a test – they include -pain when weeing, unusual discharge and tummy pain in women.
Because chlamydia is a bacterial infection however, it is easy to treat and can be cured with a course of antibiotics. These are usually taken for a week or in some cases only one day – but then you should refrain from sex for a week after.
The importance of treating it as soon as possible is really high. When chlamydia is left to its own devices, it can cause a great deal of problems – some of these include pelvic inflammatory disease, reactive arthritis and infertility, so if you leave it too long it may well affect your chances of having children further down the line.
Why partners need to know and get tested
Embarrassment stops many people from getting checked, yet testing for STIs is now straightforward, with home testing kits widely available as well as clinics. Left untreated, an infection does not only cause long-term problems for the person who has it. It can also be passed on to their sexual partners.
Some of those long-term effects can last a lifetime. Chlamydia, for example, can cause infertility if it is not treated, which can lead to real distress later in life. That is why anyone who suspects they may have an STI should get tested rather than wait for things to clear up.
Because many STIs show few or no symptoms, a partner may have no idea they are infected. Anyone who tests positive should contact everyone they have had sexual contact with, let them know, and encourage them to get a test as soon as possible. It is an awkward conversation, but it is the surest way to stop an infection spreading further.
Other common infections to know about
Chlamydia is not the only infection worth testing for, and many sexually transmitted infections can cause more serious long-term problems if they are left untreated. Gonorrhoea, sometimes called the clap, is one of the most common. Its usual tell-tale sign is a thick green discharge. It is especially important for pregnant women who think they may have it to get tested, because it can be passed to a newborn baby and lead to blindness.
Genital warts show up as lumps and bumps around the genitals and can also change the flow of urine. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor for treatment rather than using a wart remedy from a chemist.
Home testing kits make checking easier and more private, but if you have any worries or symptoms, speak to a doctor. Sexual health can feel embarrassing to talk about, yet it deserves the same attention as any other part of your health.