Thinking about your sexual health might sometimes be the last thing on your mind, but did you know that last year one in ten young people in Wirral who were tested had Chlamydia, the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) in the UK affecting both men and women.
Chlamydia is often associated with young people and although most commonly found in people under the age of 25 it can affect anyone of any age. You can catch chlamydia at any age by having unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex, or sharing sex toys.
This particular STI can be hard to spot and most people who have it don't notice any symptoms. If symptoms do appear it's usually between one and three weeks after having unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex, or sharing sex toys. If caught early it is very easy to treat and cure - usually with a single dose of antibiotics, but if left untreated, Chlamydia can cause serious long-term complications such as infertility which are much more difficult to treat.
Most people who have chlamydia don't notice any symptoms.
Around 70-80% of women with chlamydia don't notice any symptoms. If women do get symptoms, the most common include:
Around half of all men with chlamydia don't notice any symptoms. If men do get symptoms, the most common include:
Worried you may have Chlamydia? Don't worry our Sexual Health Wirral Service is here to help.
Aged 16-24?
*restrictions may apply
Aged 25 and over?
Once you have been screened our team will contact you by your chosen method of notification - which can even be by text message if that's what you would prefer. If the test is positive, you and your partner(s) will be offered treatment.
For more information please call 0151 514 6464 or visit www.sexualhealthwirral.nhs.uk
Source: Sexual Health Wirral and NHS Choices
Last Updated: Wednesday, 02 November 2016 14:50
