Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. It is the most common STI in the UK. It is most common in young men and women under the age of 25.
It is passed on by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be passed on by having genital contact with an infected partner or by sharing sex toys.
There are often no symptoms of chlamydia. Many cases of chlamydia remain undiagnosed because of this. Around 50% of men and 70% of women who have chlamydia will have no symptoms at all.
However, some people may have:
A test for chlamydia can carried out by taking a urine sample or by taking a small swab from the lower vagina. Chlamydia can be treated easily with antibiotics. Your sexual partner should also get treated to avoid re-infection.
If left untreated chlamydia can spread to the reproductive organs, causing infertility, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Getting tested is easy. Watch this video about going for a Chlamydia test to see what happens.
In Worcestershire, Chlamydia tests are available as at a number of places. Use our find a service search to see where you can get a test near to you. Or to request a chlamydia self-test kit to be posted to you,
click here. Girls in Worcestershire can take a urine test if they don’t want to do a swab test. You can choose how you receive your test results too - by text message, voicemail or phone directly.