One in Ten Women have Chlamydia

A new survey shows that young women aged 16 to 25 are recording the highest levels of chlamydia ever recorded, with most people having no idea they were carrying the infection.  Usually symptoms, if they occur, will be noticeable in the first two weeks of infection, or not at all. Figures from the Public Health Laboratory Service show that 9% of sexually active women under the age of 25 have the infection.

This is why regular testing for STIs is so important.  Chlamydia, is only transmitted by sexual contact.  It does not “go away of its own accord” and must be treated.  If it is not treated, if can lead to complications including a painful condition called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancies, and passing it on to your unborn baby during birth.

Chlamydia is not the only STI on the rise.  Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Herpes and HIV are also on the rise in young women.

Chlamydia is passed on by sexual contact between women and men and men and men.  It is passed on very easily as it is infectious and most people do not know they have it.  It is less common between women and women.  It can be passed on through vaginal, oral and anal sex.  Infections are localised, so a urine test will not test for chlamydia in your throat if you have given oral sex.  Although the antibiotics used to treat chlamydia will cure all infections wherever they are.

Better2Know can help you get tested for Chlamydia wherever you are with urine and swab samples.  Results are back quickly and you do not have to use your real name so all results are confidential.  If you do test positive, we can help you to get the treatment you need.