Chlamydia
This is the most common sexual transmitted infection and infects both men and women. It is passed on through unprotected sex (sex without a condom) and is particularly common in sexual active teenagers and young adults.
Most people don’t have any symptoms and don’t know they have it. Symptoms can include;
- pain when peeing
- unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or rectum
- in women, pain in the tummy, bleeding after sex and between periods
- in men, pain and swelling in the testicles
Left untreated can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy and other complications.
It is easily treated by antibiotics.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a bacteria mainly found in discharge from the penis and in vaginal fluid. It can be easily passed between people through unprotected sex (vaginal, oral or anal) or sharing of sex toys which have not been washed or covered with a new condom each time they are used.
Around 1 in 10 infection men and almost half infected women do not experience any symptoms. Symptoms can include;
- thick green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis
- pain when urinating
- in women, bleeding between periods
It is easily treated with antibiotics and most symptoms should improve within a matter of days.
Testing
We can offer chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening to men and women under 25 years of age – this involves a simple urine test. You do not need an appointment – pick up a self-testing kit from reception or the medical centre toilets, follow the instructions, post it in the self-address envelope and you will get your results in a matter of days.
Alternatively, if you would have symptoms or any other concerns, you can book an appointment in a Nurse B Clinic.