One of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections in the United Kingdom is chlamydia. This STI is transmitted from one person to another through sexual activity. This can be sexual intercourse but it is also possible to transmit the bacteria during other forms of sexual activity and through sharing sex toys. You cannot catch Chlamydia from lavatory seats or from towels, contrary to popular misconception.

Most people do not worry about sexually transmitted infections until they develop symptoms but the problem with Chlamydia is that it very often produces no symptoms whatsoever but it can cause quite serious problems if left untreated. In women, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and also infertility. Chlamydia is easy to treat and the sooner you receive treatment, the less likely it is that permanent damage will be inflicted.

The only way to find out if you have Chlamydia is to be tested. Testing is readily available at a local NHS GUM clinic and it can be done by taking a swab or a urine sample. A member of staff will call you when your results are ready and if you are positive then treatment will be prescribed. The normal treatment for Chlamydia is Doxyclycline taken as a 7 day course. If you are unable to takeDoxycycline  then a 3 day course of Azithromycin is normally prescribed.

If you do not have time to go to a local GUM clinic to get a chlamydia test then you can organise a test online if your local healthcare authority provides this service. If they do not, you can buy a chlamydia test from a private healthcare provider. Free online services are listed here.