What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Ireland and the UK. It's easily treatable with antibiotics but can cause serious complications if left untreated.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
The Problem: About 70% of people with chlamydia have no symptoms at all. You can have it and feel completely fine.
If symptoms appear, they may include:
- Abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Pain during sex
- Lower abdominal pain (usually in women)
- Rectal pain or discharge (if infected through anal sex)
- Eye irritation (if infected through eye contact)
Timeline: Symptoms usually appear 1–3 weeks after infection, but many people never notice anything.
Who Should Get Tested?
- Anyone sexually active — chlamydia doesn't discriminate
- New sexual partners — test before unprotected sex
- Pregnant women — routine screening is recommended
- Anyone with symptoms — immediate testing advised
- Partner notification — if your partner tests positive, you should too
Testing for Chlamydia in Ireland
How is it tested? Simple urine sample (most common) or swab test. Takes minutes, no pain.
Where to get tested:
- Free public sexual health clinics (Guide Clinic Dublin, Cork Sexual Health Services, etc.)
- Your GP
- Private testing providers (Better2Know)
- Home testing kits (mail-order)
Results: Usually available within 1–2 weeks from a public clinic, or 3–5 days from private providers.
Treatment
Good news: Chlamydia is easily cured with antibiotics.
Standard treatment: A course of azithromycin (usually 1-2 weeks) or doxycycline (7 days).
Important:
- Take the full course even if you feel better
- Don't have sex for 7 days after starting treatment (to avoid reinfection)
- Tell your recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated
- Get a test of cure 3 months after treatment
Complications if Untreated
In women:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Infertility (affects about 10% of untreated cases)
- Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb)
- Chronic pelvic pain
In men:
- Epididymitis (inflammation of the tube that carries sperm)
- Reduced fertility
- Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
In both: Reactive arthritis (joint pain and inflammation)
Prevention
- Condoms: Use consistently and correctly with new partners
- Regular testing: If sexually active with multiple partners, test annually or every 6 months
- Communication: Talk to partners about STI testing
- Partner notification: If you test positive, inform recent partners so they can get tested
Get Tested Today
Chlamydia is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. The only way to know your status is to get tested.
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