The Ill Effects Of Chlamydia By: Gayle Wystan

A recent study has suggested that young people have been putting each other’s health at risk because they are too embarrassed to get a sexual health check. The NHS survey indicated that 16 per cent of under-25s would be unwilling to tell their sexual partner if they were diagnosed with an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection). 19 per cent of those interviewed admitted that they were ‘not sure’ if they would tell the person they were sleeping with.

Of those people who claimed that they would stay quiet about their STI, the majority were found to be male. 21 percent of the males interviewed claimed that they would definitely not tell the person they were sleeping with, while another 21 percent claimed they were undecided about whether they would speak up or not.

There are a wide range of STIs that are common today and that young people are in danger of catching. The most prevalent and fastest growing in under 25s is Chlamydia.

Chlamydia is an STI caused by a tiny bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. It can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. The few symptoms of the virus in women include cystitis, change in vaginal discharge and mild lower abdominal pain. Unfortunately these are all synonymous with menstrual side effects thus explaining why the virus is often considered symptomless.

Chlamydia is a particular concern to the NHS due to its difficulty to diagnose without testing. Because Chlamydia has almost no symptoms an infected person can transmit the virus to a number of sexual partners without ever being aware that they are infected themselves. The treatment is also very easy, with one dose of antibiotics curing most cases.

However, if undetected Chlamydia also has serious health consequences. Not only can it cause infertility in both men and women but it can also lead to other physical problems such as arthritis or even blindness.

Today 1 in 10 people under the age of 25 who are tested for Chlamydia are found to have the infection. This figure is expected to rise despite the fact that the treatment and diagnosis are extremely easy and accessible to all young people.

The test for Chlamydia is quick, easy, and confidential. Simply take 10 minutes out of your day to take the test. One urine sample shows if you've got Chlamydia and it can be easily treated with antibiotics. Home testing kits are now available over the counter and in all STI clinics where one can also be treated for any other common STI such as gonorrhoea or genital warts.

It is hoped that making these tests widely and easily available will remove the stigma and embarrassment from the process and encourage more young people to take action and protect themselves from both contracting and spreading STIs. Ideally all sexually active young people should have a Chlamydia test every year, or when they change sexual partners.

The NHS study has unearthed some useful information about young people’s attitudes towards sexual health and STIs. Most important, of course, is that all those who are diagnosed with Chlamydia or suspect they may have contracted the virus be diligent about seeking treatment and are honest with their sexual partners about their condition and refrain from all sexual contact until they are cured.

Gayle Watson is a freelance writer and a researcher. He has written many article on sexual health. Like Chlamydia test, gonorrhoea and STI Clinic. He always recommends you to visit http://www.thesticlinic.com/

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