Your very personal health: intimate issues

Sexually transmitted diseases: chlamydia

STDs can occur at any age, but younger women get them most often because they're more likely to have multiple sexual partners. The key for any STD is to catch it early - as some, such as chlamydia, can potentially lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and result in infertility.  

What is chlamydia? Genital chlamydia is the most common STD in the UK, caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.
Symptoms: Typically, it's symptom-free, although it can result in painful urination and an abnormal vaginal discharge.
Treatment: A urine sample or cervical swab, taken by your GP, will determine if you have been infected. If the test is positive, chlamydia can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics.

Visit www.fpa.org.uk or contact the Family Planning Association on 0845 122 8690 for more information.