Health Issues: Sexual health matters
by Paul Bailey
Unlike HIV and AIDS, Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection not heard of by a lot of people. Yet recent research shows that one in ten sexually active young people, male and female aged under 20, have Chlamydia. Paul Bailey reports...
People who have a sexually transmitted infection sometimes get symptoms which show that there's something wrong. BUT OFTEN THEY DON'T!
Most people believe they'll never come into contact with a sexually transmitted infection because they think that they will not get it and other people will. BUT THIS ISN'T TRUE!
One of the most common sexually transmitted infections in young people is called Chlamydia and it's a bacteria that can go undetected for months or even years.
There are usually no signs to tell you that you have Chlamydia. It is serious because it can cause pain and can stop both men and women from having babies or cause difficulties in having one. It may also cause a woman to have an ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening condition.
Anyone who has had unprotected sex may have been exposed to the Chlamydia bacteria. A simple test can be done to see if you have the infection and if found early Chlamydia can be cured completely by taking anti-biotics. Go to your nearest sexual health service, your GP for advice or contact the Family Planning Association for further information.
