FAQ's

Why is it such a big deal?

If you have Chlamydia and it's not treated the infection can spread in your body and can cause health problems. Not everyone who has Chlamydia will develop these complications, but the risk increases the more times you get infected with Chlamydia.

Can I get Chlamydia from kissing?

No, It cannot be passed on through kissing, sharing towels, cutlery, cups and plates or toilet seats.

What symptoms does it cause?

In women:
Vaginal discharge, pain and /or burning when peeing, pain during and/or after sex, bleeding after sex or between periods, lower abdominal pain (pain in the lower belly).

In men:
A discharge from the tip of the penis, pain and/or burning when weeing, irritation at the tip of the penis, painful swelling of the testicles.

What if I’m pregnant?

Chlamydia can cause premature birth and low birthweight. It can be passed from a mother to her baby during delivery (see About Chlamydia). The medicine that is used to treat Chlamydia is both safe and effective in pregnancy.

What is the Chlamydia screen?

It is free, simple and painless. You do not have to be examined. It is confidential to which means we won't tell anyone you've been tested, not even your GP without your consent.

Both men and women can provide a urine (wee) sample.

The test will only tell you if you have Chlamydia, it won't tell you about other infections.

You will be asked to fill in a form. We need to have a way of contacting you with the result. This can be your mobile number, home phone number or address.

Where can I get a test?

Lots of places: youth centres, college, contraceptive clinics. View the list of screening centres to find the one closest to you.

You can also be sent a pack which his returned to us free post. Complete our form to request a pack.

What happens after the test?

The result is sent from the laboratory to your local Chlamydia screening office. They will arrange for you (and only you) to be notified of your result by either text, phone or post - you decide.

They will also send details of your result, but not your name to the Health Protection Agency. They count the number of people with Chlamydia so they can monitor the situation to make sure that people get the best treatment.

What if I have it?

You will be given free antibiotics to clear it.

We'll also talk to you about the people you have recently had sex with. It is important you do not have sex until you and your current partner(s) have finished the antibiotics.

We will arrange for you and your partner to have free treatment at a convenient location.

If I have Chlamydia, will my partner have it too?

Chlamydia is spread through unprotected sex (not wearing a condom), so if you have got Chlamydia it's very important that you let your sexual partners know as they may have it too.

Don't worry we can help you tell them if you want. If you want us to tell them, we don't need to use your name. We'll just tell them that they might have been exposed to Chlamydia. We'll also treat them for free even if they're over 25 years old.

How do I tell my partner?

It's not easy telling your partner(s) that you have Chlamydia. If you find it too difficult, ask one of the staff at the screening office to do it for you. We'll contact them anonymously (this means we won't tell them your name). We only tell your partners that they may be at risk if you have tested positive.

It is important that your partner(s) is treated to stop them having problems in future, passing the infection on to others, or maybe even passing it back to you.

What if I am over 24?

You can still be tested. You need to contact the Contraceptive and Sexual Health Service on the following numbers:

• Wakefield: 01924 327585
• North Kirklees: 01924 351578

• Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic, Wakefield: 01924 214421
• Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic, Pontefract: 01977 606462
• Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic, Dewsbury: 01924 816120

How can I make sure I don't get Chlamydia?

Use condoms with new sexual partners.