Chlamydia (Kla-Mid-Dee-Ah) is
commonest and curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) in
UK.The most important thing to know about Chlamydia is that any one who is having sex is vulnerable. You only need to have unprotected sex with one person who has
infection to catch it; but of course,
more partners you have,
more likely you are to be infected. During 2001, there were more than 71,000 new reported cases,
highest level ever and a 10 % rise from 2000.
According to Public Health laboratory Service figures it is estimated that one in ten under 25 year olds now have
infection.
If you are over 25 and have had two partners within a year, or recently changed partners your risk increases.
One of
most alarming problems with Chlamydia is that it is asymptomatic; that is to say most people don’t know that they have it in
early stages. This means that it is very easily passed on without people knowing. Some warning signs could be:
* Discharge * Pain or burning when urinating * Inflammation of
penis or vagina * Pain in
lower part of
body * Heavy periods or irregular bleeding * Testicular pain