Gay Men's Health: Scotland's Charity for Gay Men |chlamydia

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SCOTLAND’S CHARITY FOR GAY MEN

CHLAMYDIA

Chlamydia is a bacterium which affects the genitals and sometimes the eyes. It is very common.

Chlamydia is passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex.

Symptoms

Women often show no signs until the Chlamydia has spread elsewhere but may notice extra discharge and pain when passing urine.

Men may get a white cloudy discharge from the penis and a burning sensation when passing urine.

Treatment

Infections are easily treated with a short course of antibiotics. If untreated, Chlamydia can lead to serious problems in women such as pelvic inflammatory disease which can cause infertility, tubal pregnancy and pelvic pain.

In men, untreated Chlamydia can lead to serious problems with the prostrate gland (which helps makes semen) and sometimes the testicles causing a painful swelling. As the symptoms are so easily missed and the consequences so serious, it is worth asking to be tested at your local GP or GUM Clinic.

Prevention

Using a condom for vaginal sex and strong condom and lubricant for anal sex will help to prevent transmission.