What is it?
StatisticsAs many as 10% of young people have Chlamydia. That's the same amount as are left handed. Think about it.
(National Census, 2001)
It's the big one: The most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
You pick it up through vaginal, oral or anal sex.
How do I know if I've got it?
Symptoms include:
Boys: Pain on peeing, discharge from the penis, pain in the testicles
Girls: Tummy ache, bleeding after sex or between periods, pain on peeing, needing to pee more often, excess vaginal discharge
BUT
Up to 80% of girls and 50% of boys with Chlamydia get no symptoms whatsoever. The bugs lurk inside us. But we are none the wiser.
So why does it matter if I get it?
Whether it causes symptoms or not, Chlamydia can damage our insides. This may cause infertility (inability to have babies).
Nappies and bottles may not be high on you To Do List now. But a scarred-up womb isn't going to carry on the family name in future.
Yikes! So what do I do?
Always use a condom. Every time. It's a no brainer.
How can I be sure I haven't got it now?
Take the test - visit your GP, Young People's or Sexual Health clinic.
You can buy a Chlamydia test from Boots the Chemist. Some stores even offer free testing to 16-24 year olds.
Chlamydia testing has changed. Wherever you take the test, it is often possible to "Self Screen”. This means testing yourself, in private. No intimate examinations or personal questions necessary.
Then what?
If you're positive, take a short course of antibiotics. Job Done.
Further information about STIs and Chlamydia
More about Chlamydia
ru thinking?
Even more about Chlamydia
Finding a sexual health clinic in your area
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated 3rd July 2007
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Cas, 18
I got chlamydia. Went to the clinic to get treated they gave me the 4 pills and they said it would be gone. I thought i didnt have it anymore. Later i met the greatest guy and we became serious. Turns out i gave him chlamydia and he wants to leave me. He says hes not mad that i gave it to him hes mad that i didnt tell him. the thing is i thought i was cured. :(
libb, 18
i caught chlymidia and i was so shocked but once i'd found out about it and received treatment(4 tablets you take all at the same time on one day and 7 days later its gone!) i was able to get over it.i have a boyfriend and the hardest part was telling him, he was really good about it. i made sure i knew all the facts so i knew what to say. dont get worked up over it, if he is a good guy he will understand. you never know he could have given it to you.
onelife
bodymind_girls_chlamydia