Whilst most common in the under 25s, any sexually active person can catch chlamydia. Multiple sexual partners greatly increase the likelihood of getting an STI.

Symptoms of Chlamydia in men:

• Discharge from the penis
• Pain when urinating
• Discomfort and swelling of the testicles

Symptoms of Chlamydia in women:

• Discharge from the vagina
• Pain and/or bleeding during/after sex
• Pain when urinating
• Bleeding between periods

Chlamydia has been nicknamed ‘the silent disease,’ as most people with it do not experience any symptoms at all – therefore are unaware they even have this infection. For those that do show symptoms, they appear 1-3 weeks after being exposed to the infection.

If untreated, chlamydia can lead to the following problems:

In men:

• Epididymitis – painful inflammation of the testicles, which may result in reduced fertility or sterility
• Urethritis – inflammation of the urethra
• Reiter’s syndrome – inflammation of the joints, urethra and eyes

In women:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Salpingitis – blocked fallopian tubes, which reduces fertility
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Cervicitis – inflammation of the uterine cervix
• Long-term pelvic pain
• Early miscarriage or premature birth

Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. Confidante Home testing kit is made by Randox Health.