Chlamydia is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK and easily passed on through unprotected sex.

Taking safe sex precautions is the best way to avoid infection. The pill, or other forms of contraception, may protect you from pregnancy but won’t protect you from STIs so it is always best to use a condom, particularly if you have multiple partners.

While using a condom, or female condom, is the best way to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infection, it is not 100% safe and you should be careful in case it splits or is not used correctly.

Testing for STIs such as Chlamydia is simple and you don’t even need to go to a clinic. For just £30 you can order Chlamydia tests at Lloyds Pharmacy online.

The test kit is easy to use and absolutely confidential. Simply collect your urine sample at home and post it back to our partner laboratory for analysis. The results will be delivered quickly and you will receive free antibiotic treatment by post if you test positive.

Remember, you may have the infection even if you don’t display any symptoms. One in four men with Chlamydia have no symptoms and only about 30% of women experience symptoms which is why it is important to be screened regularly if you are sexually active, or if you have multiple partners.

In men, symptoms include a burning sensation while passing urine, discharge from the penis or rectum, tenderness or pain in the testicles and rectal discharge or pain.

In women, symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, pain during sexual intercourse, rectal pain or discharge, symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or vaginal discharge.

The usual treatment for Chlamydia is a course of antibiotics. It is important to treat the inflection as left alone it can lead to long-term problems including infertility and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

The infection is easily passed back and forth and you can become infected again so keep getting checked. All sexually active women up to the age of 25 should be screened yearly for Chlamydia.

For more information, visit https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/service/Sexual-health-tests/Chlamydia-test

(featured article)