Q. Who can I talk to if I am worried?

A. You can talk confidentially to one of the nurses in the Chlamydia Screening team Tel: 01473 275228, or your own GP.

Q. What happens if I don't get treated?

A. With out correct treatment the infection can spread to other parts of the body causing damage and serious long term complications.

Women - the infection can spread to other reproductive organs causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can lead to lower tummy pain, blocked tubes and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).

Men - infection can lead to swollen and painful testicles.

Q. How will I know if Chlamydia will stop me getting pregnant in the future?

A. Chlamydia is one of many factors that can affect your fertility. However, the longer that you have an untreated infection and the more episodes of infection a person has, the more likley it is to cause complications which may affect your chance of becoming pregnant.

If you have had Chlamydia you will not normally be offered any routine tests to see if you are able to have a baby unless you and your partner having been trying to get pregnant for some time. If you are concerned , talk to your GP or Practice Nurse.

More frequently asked questions

Q. How can I find out how long I have had the infection?

A. A positive test result does not tell how long some one has had the infection. You may not have any symptoms or they may appear a long time after you first came into contact with the infection.

Q. I am under 16 - who will you tell?

A. If you are under 16 years of age you have the same rights to confidentiality as other people, unless we think you are at risk of harm. We use a check list called the Fraser Guidelines to ensure that you understand the legal implications of under age sex, to check if there is an adult you can talk to and to make sure that you are not at risk of abuse.

If we are concerned about someones situation and we feel that we need to speak to someone else for advice, we will do so after attempting to inform the young person involved.

Q. How do I get a test if I am 25 and over?

A. The Chlamydia Screening Programme is only funded for under 25 year olds, as this age group have the highest rates of infection. If you think you may have been in contact with the infection contact your nearest Sexual Health/GUM Clinic or ask the Practice Nurse at your GP Practice.

Boots the chemist also sell screening kits.

More Frequently asked questions

Q. How do I protect myself from Chlamydia?

A. Condoms! Condoms! Condoms!
Using condoms when you have sex will help to protect you against STIs and also prevent you passing on an STI to some one else.
Get a check for Chlamydia if you change sexual partners.

Make sure your new partner gets checked for Chlamydia.

Q. Where can I get screened for Chlamydia if I live outside Suffolk?

A. There are similar Chlamydia Screening Programmes all over the country. Ask at your local GP practice or Contraception clinic. Visit this website to find out about other screening programmes: www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk.

Q. If I have chlamydia could I have another STI?

A. Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI but it is possible to have more than one infection at the same time. You can attend the local Sexual Health/GUM clinic and ask for a check up which will include blood tests for infections such as HIV.

Q. How often should I have a test?

A. The advice is that you should have a test every year or when you change sexual partners.