National Chlamydia Screening Programme

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK. 1 in 10 women and men under the age of 25, who are tested have it.

The problem is that most people have no symptoms, so most of you wouldn't know you have it.

Chlamydia is a bacteria that affects the sex organs. If chlamydia is not treated the infectioncan spread to other parts of the body and cause pain, especially in the abdomen (lower stomach) and may cause infertility (being unable to have children). This risk is increased if you get infected again and again.

If you do get symptoms, these may show up 1-3 weeks after coming into contact with chlamydia, many months later or not until the infection speads to other parts of your body. If you do get symptoms you might notice:

• unusual vaginal discharge
• pain when peeing or having sex
• bleed after sex or between periods
• lower abdominal pain or painful testicles

If you have any of these, see someone right away to check for an infection.

Even if you dont have symptoms, if you are under 25 years old and have ever had sex, you can have a simple, free test to check for chlamydia as part of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme.

The test is free, painless and confidential. You don't even have to be examined.

There are four ways to get a screen:

• Pick up a kit from the the Dispensary at either the Drayton or St Faiths Surgeries, or during your consultation with the Doctor or Nurse
• email cso@norfolk.nhs.uk with you name and address
• text screen to 80010 with your name and address
• Ring 01603 221 830

For more information, visit www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk