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Often referred to as the ‘silent disease’ because many people who contract it don’t experience any symptoms, Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK.

Untreated, the disease can lead to infertility and other complications in both men and women. Even if you don’t experience any symptoms yourself, you can still pass on the disease to your partner so regular screening is important if you are sexually active or have multiple partners. All sexually active women up to the age of 25 should be screened annually for Chlamydia.

Chlamydia is passed on through unprotected sex and can easily be passed back and forth. Symptoms usually start one to three weeks after getting the infection, but they may take longer to develop. However, around 50% of men and 70% of women with Chlamydia don’t experience any symptoms at all.

In women, the symptoms include an increased or unusual amount of discharge from the vagina. This is caused by an inflamed cervix. You may feel the need to urinate more frequently or experience pain when passing urine.

You may experience pain, and even bleeding, during or after sex. Your periods may become irregular or particularly heavy and you may also experience pain in the lower abdomen or the pelvis area.

If left untreated, the infection can spread to your womb and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which is a major cause of infertility, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.

Men with Chlamydia may notice a milky discharge from their penis, which may stain your underwear.

You may experience a burning sensation or pain when passing urine, and your testicles could become swollen and painful.

If left untreated, you are at risk from complications such as inflamed or swollen testicles, reactive arthritis and infertility.

Very rarely the infection can affect other areas of the body including the rectum (anus), eyes or throat.

If you are infected in the rectum, you may experience a discharge or bleeding and may feel discomfort. Chlamydia infection in the throat is unlikely to give you any symptoms but if your eyes are infected, they can become irritated and weepy (conjunctivitis).

If you suspect you have symptoms of Chlamydia, it is important to get tested as soon as possible to ensure you don’t pass it on or develop complications. Testing for Chlamydia is very simple and can even be done at home using a confidential test kit. The usual treatment is a short course of antibiotics.