About Chlamydia
How common is it?
It's extremely common and it's on the increase - yet many people have never heard of it.
How do you get Chlamydia?
It's passed from one person to another through vaginal, oral or anal sex as Chlamydia is found in semen and vaginal fluids.
Why is it a problem?
Chlamydia is serious because it can cause pain and infertility. In women it may cause an ectopic pregnancy.
So. . . 
. . . who's at risk?
Anyone who is sexually active is potentially at risk – Chlamydia isn't choosy about who it infects. Chlamydia is most common in women under 25 and men under 30. But you can reduce your risk by using condoms.
But I’d know if I was infected
There are usually no signs to tell you that you have Chlamydia, so it can stay hidden for many years. But even if you don’t have any symptoms a test can be done to see if you have the infection.
You may notice:
- Discomfort or soreness when you urinate or a need to urinate frequently
- An unusual or unpleasant discharge from your vagina or penis (a different colour, smell, or amount)
- Abdominal pain or pain during sex in women
- Bleeding between periods or after sex in women
If you have any of these you should go to a sexual health / genitourinary medicine clinic or your GP straightaway.
How can I find out if I have Chlamydia?
If you don’t have any signs of an infection but you think you might be at risk - perhaps you or your regular partner have had sex with another partner without using a condom - then go to a sexual health/ genitourinary medicine clinic or your GP.
What happens if I don’t have treatment?
Although the symptoms may disappear after a few days, Chlamydia will not go away without treatment so don’t ignore it. It is very important to go for treatment because if an infection is not treated you can pass it on to other sexual partners. It can also cause pain and may affect your chances of having children.
How can I make sure I don’t get Chlamydia?
Male and female condoms offer good protection against sexually transmitted infections. Follow the instructions that are on the condom pack or in the leaflet inside.
There are lots of different types of condoms to choose from and they're:
- Free from family planning clinics and some sexual health/genitourinary medicine clinics and some GPs
- Easily bought without needing to see a doctor
Whatever kind you use, check they've got the British Kitemark
and European CE mark 
on.
Remember - don’t use any oils or Vaseline with male condoms as it damages them. You can use water based lubricants with male condoms. Check with your pharmacist if in doubt.
Many people don’t use condoms because they're worried they won't know how to put one on properly and will look stupid. So practise. Get to know condoms so you feel confident using them.