Your questions answered

In women:

Chlamydia can spread to other reproductive organs causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can lead to long term pelvic pain, blocked fallopian tubes, infertility (unable to have children) and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).

In men:

Chlamydia can lead to a painful infection in the testicles and possibly reduced fertility.

In both men and women:

Inflammation or swelling of the joints can occur (reactive arthritis known as Reiters syndrome), which is rare and more common in men than women. This is sometimes accompanied by inflammation of the urethra (the tube from the bladder to the outside of the body), and the eye (conjunctivitis).

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Without proper treatment the infection can spread to other parts of the body causing damage and serious long-term complications.

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Remember: The majority of people with Chlamydia will not have any symptoms.

If they do, they may have some of the symptoms listed below:

In women:

• An unusual vaginal discharge
• The need to pass urine more often
• Pain on passing urine or during sex
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen

• Any irregular bleeding, between periods, after sex or if you are using contraception.

In men:

• A discharge from the tip of the penis
• Pain and/or burning when passing urine
• Irritation at the tip of the penis
• Painful swelling of the testicles

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If you or your partner ever has symptoms, you should seek help from a Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinic (GUM) by calling 024 76246507

If you are aged 24 or under "GOT IT?" can provide you with free testing and treatment, call the confidential information line on: 024 76246554, text "GOT IT?" and your postcode to 07917651746 or e-mail gotit@coventrypct.nhs.uk

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Chlamydia is just one of many factors that can affect your fertility. If you have tested positive for Chlamydia you will not normally be offered any routine tests to see if you are fertile unless you or your partner find that you have difficulty getting pregnant. If you are concerned, talk to your GP or practice nurse.

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Chlamydia may be linked to early miscarriage or premature birth of the baby. It can be passed to the baby during the birth and (less commonly) before the baby is born. This can cause inflammation and discharge from the baby's eye (conjunctivitis) and pneumonia.

Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics when you are pregnant and when you are breastfeeding. The antibiotics won't harm the baby, but do tell whoever is treating you that you are pregnant to ensure the correct antibiotics are given.

Every Community Midwife in Coventry has been trained on the "GOT IT?" programme so do not be afraid to ask for a test if you are not offered one.

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It can be difficult to tell how long someone has had Chlamydia, particularly if you don't have any symptoms or they appear a long time after you have been exposed to the infection. Many people do not know if they got Chlamydia from their current or previous sexual partner. These doubts can be difficult to deal with. Some people feel angry or upset when they are told they have a sexually transmitted infection and do not talk to their partner or friends. Don't be afraid to talk to the "GOT IT?" staff about how you are feeling.

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"GOT IT?" is a confidential service, you will be asked a few details including your name, age and contact details - some people are tempted to make this up but remember that everything is kept completely confidential anyway, even if you are under 16.

The only circumstance in which a member of staff would break a person's confidence would be if they believe that they or another person was at risk of harm or in serious danger and even then they would discuss it with you first.

All members of staff deal with various people every day and understand some are nervous, scared or embarrassed so they will always try to make the visit as comfortable and private as possible.

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