TLDR: Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common bacterial STI, especially in under-25s. It spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex, and by sharing sex toys. Most people have no symptoms - which is why regular testing matters.
Many people notice nothing at all. If symptoms do show up, they can include pain when peeing, unusual discharge, bleeding between periods, pain during sex, or testicle pain. The only way to know for sure is to test.
Testing is free and confidential at NHS sexual health clinics, or via home kits like SH:24. It’s usually a urine sample or a simple swab. Results typically come back within a week.
Yes. Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics. You’ll usually need to avoid sex for 7 days during treatment to prevent passing it on.
Yes - so they can test and get treated too. It might feel awkward, but it protects both of you from reinfection. Remember: getting tested and treated is responsible, not shameful.
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease among under-25s. The good news is that it’s easily treatable and nothing to be ashamed of. Here’s everything you need to know about the STI.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial STI (sexually transmitted infection) passed through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, as well as through sharing sex toys. Most people who have it don’t know that they do — which is why it spreads so easily.
It can affect people of any gender, sexuality and race, and it’s most common in people aged 15–24. If left untreated, it can lead to long term health problems and even affect your ability to have children.
How do I protect myself from contracting chlamydia?
Using a condom during any kind of sex – vaginal, anal, oral or playing with sex toys – will prevent transmission of chlamydia. However, it won’t protect you during foreplay, so it’s important to wash your hands afterwards to prevent the spread of infection.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
Most people who catch chlamydia will experience no symptoms at all, which is why it’s important to test regularly.
However, there are some signs you can look out for, including:
- Pain or a stinging sensation when urinating
- An unusual and sometimes smelly discharge from your vagina, penis, or anus
- Cystitis
- Pain during sex, especially the pelvis area
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain or tenderness in the testicles
While these symptoms can present themselves within the first three weeks of infection, they can stay hidden for months, if not years.
It’s also important to note that if you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it may not be a sign that you have chlamydia. The only way to be 100% sure is to test. If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause long-term damage — including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pain, or fertility problems.
How do I test?
Testing for chlamydia is easy and confidential.
You can get tested for free at your local NHS sexual health clinic. Find your nearest clinic here.
Or if you’d prefer to test in the comfort of your own home, you can order an at-home testing kit with SH:24.
Tests are normally taken from a urine sample if you have a penis, or a swab if you have a vagina. A swab test may also be taken from your rectum or throat if you’ve engaged in anal or oral sex.
The process is simple, pain-free and should only take a matter of minutes to complete.
Sexual health clinics aim to get results back to you within 5 working days, but if you haven’t heard anything for over 2 weeks then you’re advised to contact them. SH:24 aim to deliver your results within 3 working days, but again, this may not always be possible due to high demand, and if you’re waiting for more than 7 days then you’re advised to get in touch.
What if I test positive?
If you receive a positive test, it means that there could be traces of chlamydia found in the sample that you provided. This is the first step towards treating it.
Remember, chlamydia is a very treatable infection and you should be proud that you took vital steps to prioritise your sexual health and wellbeing.
Your testing service should inform you of your next steps, and this normally involves a course of antibiotics. You may need to retest once you’ve completed your course if you’re pregnant or if your symptoms persist.
Do I have to tell anyone about having chlamydia?
It’s important to tell any sexual partners to avoid re-infection. Chances are they’ll need to be tested and be put on a course of antibiotics, too.
If you’re struggling to talk about this with your sexual partner then we have a few tips that can help:
Be straightforward and honest
Remember, you’ve done the right thing by taking a test and looking after both of your sexual health. Try to stick to the facts to avoid the conversation becoming emotionally-charged.
Reassure them that it’s temporary
Once identified, chlamydia can be treated within 7 days. After a successful treatment, your normal sex life can resume after 2-3 weeks.
Show you care
You took a test because you care, and you’re now showing this care towards your sexual partner. You’re prioritising you and your partner’s health and avoiding any future complications.
How soon can I have sex again after catching chlamydia?
Most doctors will recommend abstaining from sex for at least seven days while undergoing treatment, and seven days after the treatment has finished. Once treatment is completed and successful, you should be able to resume your normal sex life within 2-3 weeks.
Your doctor or test provider should give you the all-clear once treatment is complete.
Managing your emotions
Finding out that you’ve got an STI can bring up a lot of emotions, all of which are completely valid. It’s important to look after your mental health during this time and remember that most STIs are quickly and easily treated.
If you’ve read this far, then you already know the right steps to take in managing your sexual health. However, if your sexual health is affecting your mental health then it might be good to talk about it.
The Mix Community is a place to chat about anything you might be going through with other young people.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or anxious about your upcoming results, here are a few things that might help:
Write down all of your worries
Our minds get really busy when we receive unexpected news. A great way to slow them down is to write out all of your thoughts on paper or your phone. This allows you to tackle each thought one by one and gives you back a sense of control. If you have any unanswered questions then make a note of them and ask your GP.
Limit screen time
When we’re feeling anxious about our health we’re more likely to doomscroll. This is when we search endlessly through the internet for information that either confirms or denies our thoughts. While finding relevant information about your sexual health can be beneficial, it’s easy to get lost down an internet rabbit hole.
Make sure to take breaks, set boundaries and limit your screen time if you find that you’re spending a lot of time browsing information that isn’t ultimately helpful.
Be proud of yourself
Receiving a positive STI test may affect your self-esteem and produce negative feelings. It’s important to remember that you have done the right thing by prioritising your health and the health of others. Treatment for chlamydia is fast and effective, and you’ll be back to your normal, healthy self in 2-3 weeks.
For more resources on how to manage your mental health, check out our Mental Health section.
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