Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. Anyone who has sex of any kind can get it, but the symptoms are not always clear. It’s likely you know someone who has had it, even if they never mention it.
It’s quick and easy to test for chlamydia using our confidential service. Plus, it’s simple to treat. It’s a really good idea to get tested often for chlamydia if you’re under 25. That’s because you might not know that you have it, but if it’s not treated it can cause more serious health problems.
You're most at risk of chlamydia if you have sex without using a condom (unprotected sex).
You may not have any symptoms with chlamydia. That’s why you should get tested often - especially if you’ve had unprotected sex or are having sex with someone new.
If you do get symptoms, they can include:
- unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or bottom (anus)
- pain or a burning feeling when you pee
- if your eyes are infected you may notice discharge, pain, swelling or irritation
Plus, if you’re a woman you may have:
- pain in your tummy or lower back pain
- pain or bleeding when you have sex
- bleeding after sex or between periods
If you’re a man you may have:
- painful, swollen testicles (balls).
Chlamydia can be passed on when you have sex without using a condom. This includes:
- oral sex
- anal sex
- sharing sex toys that have not been washed or covered with a new condom
- your penis or vagina touching someone else’s penis or vagina
- semen or vaginal fluid getting in your eye
If you’re pregnant and have chlamydia you can pass it to your unborn baby if you do not get treated.
If you think you might have chlamydia
Get tested straight away if you think you might have symptoms of chlamydia or if you’ve had sex with someone who could have it. See the 'How to test' section below for information on how to get a test.
Regular chlamydia testing
If you’re under 25 and having sex it’s best to get tested at least once a year and any time you have sex with someone new.
Still unsure if you need to get tested?
Take this quick quiz to find out.
You’ll need to wait at least 2 weeks after you think you could have been infected to take a test. If you’re worried about symptoms, get in touch to make an appointment so we can give you the best possible care.
Call our information and booking line on 0800 328 3383 or find a clinic. We know you might feel nervous but we promise we’ve seen it all before. We’ll do all we can to put you at ease.
If you’re over 16 and don’t have any symptoms, you can get a free testing kit online. The kit comes in a plain package. It’s confidential and contains all that you need to test from the comfort of your own home. It's easy and painless to use and you’ll get results by text within a week.
If you’re under 16 you can get a free testing kit from one of our clinics.
If your test is positive, you can be treated with antibiotics, which you will take for up to a week. You may need to come to one of our clinics to pick up your free prescription.
You will need to wait until you and your partner have both finished treatment before having sex again.
If you have chlamydia your current sexual partner will need to get tested and treated. You’ll also need to tell past partners. If you’ve had symptoms you should tell anyone you’ve had sexual contact with over the last 4 weeks. If you did not have any symptoms you’ll need to tell anyone you’ve had sexual contact with over the last 6 months.
We get that it can be tough to tell past partners about an STI, but they do need to know. The good news is that we can contact them by text for you so they can get tested. We do not give out your name. You can also phone us on 0800 328 3383 to ask about this service if you're being treated elsewhere.
Chlamydia is usually mild and can be treated easily so please do not panic if you test positive for it. If you do not get treatment it can lead to long-term health problems including arthritis.
In women it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and even infertility. If you’re a man it can sometimes spread and cause epididymo-orchitis, an inflammation of your testicles.
Not many people with chlamydia get these complications because it is so easy to treat. Just make sure you get tested and treated as quickly as possible.
You can help avoid chlamydia, by having safer sex and using condoms. Learn all about preventing STIs.
- Please visit the Family Planning Association patient information guide on Chlamydia for more information.
- Use our free, confidential condom service.
- Find a sexual health clinic.
- Find out about other STIs.