If you are sexually active, it is very important to be aware of the symptoms of chlamydia; after all, chlamydia is one of the most common STIs in the UK and can cause serious health problems.
Here is everything you need to know about chlamydia, including the symptoms and the potential complications.
What you need to know about chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common STI that can affect both men and women. The infection is bacterial and is caused by chlamydia trachomatis, which lives in the mucous membranes – the moist tissue that is not covered by an outer layer of skin. This means that the STI can survive in the cervix, the vagina, the urethra, the rectum, the throat, and even the eyes.
Chlamydia is very common, especially amongst young people. If you suspect that you have chlamydia and find the idea of being tested embarrassing, don’t worry. It is possible to order chlamydia testing kits Bexley online from organisations such as https://www.bexleysexualhealth.org/home_sti_kits, enabling you to test yourself in the privacy of your own home.
Common symptoms and possible complications
There are a few common symptoms of chlamydia but it is very important to note that chlamydia often has no symptoms; in fact, over 70 per cent of women with chlamydia experience no symptoms. For this reason, it is essential to get tested if you suspect that you have chlamydia.
Some common symptoms that both men and women experience include:
– Discharge
Both women and men can experience a smelly, off-coloured discharge if they have chlamydia. The colour of the discharge can vary, but it is normally greenish, yellow, cloudy or clear.
– A burning sensation when you urinate
This common symptom of most STIs is called dysuria.
– A burning, itchy sensation around your genitals
This sensation may also occur inside the vagina in women.
– Anal irritation
It is also possible to experience rectal pain, or discharge or bleeding from the anus.
– Pain during sex
Many people report pain during sex as a common symptom of chlamydia.
Symptoms only women experience
– Painful periods
Women may also experience painful periods if they have chlamydia.
This may sound scary, so make sure you get tested as soon as you experience any of these symptoms. You can either order an at-home testing kit or head to your local clinic.
