Chlamydia

What is chlamydia? Chlamydia comes from the Greek word meaning ‘to cloak’ and is caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria mainly infect the genitals but it can sometimes infect the throat and rectum. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in young adults. Chlamydia is very easy to treat with antibiotics but if left untreated can cause infertility. However, many people do not know they have chlamydia as it does not always produce symptoms (around 70% of people will have no symptoms). As a result chlamydia is sometimes called the 'silent infection'. How is chlamydia spread? Chlamydia is spread in any of the following ways: Having unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sex with someone who is infected. A mother to her baby at birth, this is why we recommend you get yourself tested if you are planning pregnancy. For our chlamydia test click here. Occasionally, it can affect the eyes, known as trachoma. This can occur if the infection is transferred to the eyes, by fingers, which have been in contact with the genitals. Chlamydia tends to infect women more than men, this is because women hold germs and fluids from male partners inside them for some time after sex. What are the symptoms of chlamydia? As mentioned previously chlamydia does not always have symptoms and symptoms if present can be mistaken for something less serious, such as thrush. However, if you have any of the following we would advise you to visit your doctor or local G.U.M. clinic. At the G.U.M. clinic you will be treated with total confidentiality, not even your doctor will be told of your visit unless you give permission. The service, treatment and advice at these clinics is totally free. Men are more likely to have symptoms than women, but they may have no symptoms either. In women symptoms may include: - An increase in vaginal discharge. Lower abdominal pain. Pain on urinating. Pain during sex. Bleeding between periods or after sex. In men symptoms may include: - A discharge from the tip of the penis. Pain on urinating because the urethra is inflamed. Swelling of the testes (testicles). If chlamydia infects the eyes, you may experience pain, swelling and irritation. How can chlamydia be prevented? The only way to be sure of avoiding chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases, is with the consistent use of condoms. To prevent infection the condom must be put on correctly and before any genital contact. Remember, just because you have had chlamydia once doesn't mean you will not get it again. Every time you have unprotected sex you are at risk of chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases. Am I at risk of catching chlamydia? Anyone who has unprotected sexual intercourse may be at risk of catching chlamydia. Chlamydia is very common and because there are usually no symptoms it is very easy for the infection to be spread around, without people knowing they have got it. Chlamydia can appear in people who have not had a sexual partner for some time. This is often because his/her partner is infected but has no symptoms and so does not immediately pass the infection on. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your regular partner has become infected through sexual contact with someone else. Because chlamydia is so common it is advised that people who have regular sex, especially those with different sexual partners should be tested once a year, even if they feel healthy. How is chlamydia diagnosed? A doctor or nurse will examine your genital area and a swab (sample) is usually taken from the woman's cervix, this will be similar to a smear test. In men a swab is taken from the tip of the penis. The swab is then sent to a laboratory for testing and the result is usually available within one week. A urine sample may also be taken, this is another way of diagnosing chlamydia for both men and women. You may purchase a chlamydia urine test on this website, click here for further information. We also sell a female only chlamydia test for more information on this test click here. How is chlamydia treated? Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics that destroy the germs in your body. If you are treated for chlamydia you must make sure that you finish the course of treatment and ensure that your partner is also treated, to avoid getting infected again. During treatment you should avoid sexual intercourse to avoid re-infection. Once you have finished treatment it is important that you go back to your doctor for a check-up to make sure the infection has gone. What are the effects of untreated chlamydia? In women, if chlamydia is left untreated the bacteria may spread into the pelvic area and infect the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries leading to a disease called pelvic inflammatory disease. This disease can lead to many complications including infertility. If a woman has chlamydia during pregnancy she will risk having an ectopic pregnancy, early labour or passing the infection on to her baby, which would cause an infection in the babies eyes or lungs. In men, chlamydia can cause a painful swelling of the testicles, which could also cause infertility. Reiter's syndrome, which causes inflammation of the eyes and joints can also develop in men and women as a result of untreated chlamydia.

Bacterial Vaginosis

What is bacterial vaginosis? Several different organisms can cause vaginal discharge and irritation (vaginitis). The most common organisms being :- The bacteria gardnerella vaginalis (bacterial vaginosis). The yeast candida (that causes thrush). The parasite, trichomonas vaginalis. Bacterial vaginosis is a very common vaginal infection. It occurs when bacteria that normally exist in small numbers in the vagina multiply rapidly. Bacterial infection tends to occur in women who have regular sex. The infection does not get passed on to the man. What causes bacterial vaginosis? It is estimated, 1 in 3 women will probably get bacterial vaginosis at some time in their life. Once you have had one infection, you are more likely to have a repeat infection. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the acidity of the vagina changes, causes of this may include: - Sex without a condom, when semen enters the vagina. Using too many perfumed soaps or bubble baths. Douching (washing out your vagina). Using the coil / I.U.D. The acidity (pH) of the vagina alters at different stages in the menstrual cycle and this may be another reason why the bacteria multiply. However, bacterial vaginosis can develop without any of these causes. What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis? The main symptom of bacterial vaginosis is usually, a thin white/greyish discharge, which usually has a fishy smell and is usually worse after sex or during a period. Other symptoms may include, irritation or soreness in and around the vagina and on rare occasions itching or swelling may occur. However, itching is more commonly associated with thrush. How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed? If you go to your doctor he/she may examine your genital area and then a sample is taken from your vagina using a cotton wool swab (similar to a cotton bud). You may also be asked to give a urine sample. The acidity of the vagina may also be measured. We have a simple test on this website which can be used to indicate whether an abnormal vaginal discharge is caused by bacterial, parasitic infections or yeast infection(thrush). For more information on this test or to buy click here. How is bacterial vaginosis treated? Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics. It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, as a different type of treatment may need to be prescribed. Thrush treatments are not recommended to treat bacterial vaginosis. What happens if bacterial vaginosis is left untreated? Bacterial vaginosis is a mild condition and is easily treated. If you suffer with recurrent bacterial vaginosis, it would be wise to be checked for an infection if you are pregnant or thinking of trying for a baby, even if you have no symptoms. Untreated bacterial vaginosis, may cause problems during pregnancy or even cause a miscarriage.

Sexual Health

In this section we describe the type of infections both common and not so common that you can get from unprotected sex with a partner. What are sexually transmitted diseases? Sexual activity often involves getting close to another person. Being close allows infections present in one person to be passed on to the other. You can’t be much closer to someone than, when you are sexually intimate, so it isn’t surprising if germs can get spread that way. Anyone having sex can get a sexually transmitted disease (S.T.D.) from an infected partner, if they do not use any protection (e.g. condoms).There are at least 25 different S.T.D.’s which are all spread during sex, this can mean through vaginal intercourse, oral sex or anal sex. If left untreated, S.T.D.’s can cause infertility and permanent damage to your health, therefore early diagnosis and treatment is very important. If you are worried about having an S.T.D. or are thinking of having a baby, it would be wise to visit your doctor or local G.U.M. clinic. Everybody can catch an S.T.D. even if you have been with your partner for some time, this is not necessarily because your partner has been unfaithful but because some infections can lie dormant in the body and may not cause symptoms. GUM clinics treat all information with total confidentiality and they will not even tell your doctor you have been there, unless you ask them to. To find out where your nearest local GUM clinic is visit the following website: http://www.ruthinking.co.uk/default.aspx. However, we are not liable or in any way responsible for the content or suitability of any external sites that you reach from within this site. If you are too embarrassed to attend a GUM clinic or don't have the time, then you can purchase our home test which looks for the presence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea, for more information on this test click here. What can I do to reduce my risk of sexually transmitted diseases? To avoid all S.T.D.’s you should get to know new partners before having sex and always use condoms until you are certain that neither of you have any infections. Trust is a huge part of this and usually the only way you will know for sure, is for you and your partner to be fully tested for all infections. Remember, you can’t always tell if you or your partner has a sexual infection as neither of you might have any symptoms. Explore other ways of having sex such as kissing, stroking and touching. Use condoms on sex toys such as vibrators if they are being shared and always wash the toy between activities. Put a new condom on for each new partner and activity. What can I do if I get a sexually transmitted disease? If spotted early enough, most S.T.D.’s can be easily treated. Drugs can often control those that can’t be treated, like H.I.V. You can get a vaccination to protect against hepatitis A and B, if you believe you could be at risk of catching the infection. Condoms Even in this day and age many people are still embarrassed about buying condoms, but they can be now bought in most places and are as easy to buy as a newspaper. Probably the easiest place to get them is in a pub or nightclub (most have vending machines in the male and female toilets), however, do ensure that they have a kite mark as a sign of quality. Condoms are free from your local G.U.M. clinic and family planning clinic. When using condoms always use them correctly, practice at home first if you have never used one before. Never use any oils or Vaseline™ with male condoms, as it will damage them. Always check the expiry date, and always keep a spare supply where they can’t get damaged, by light, heat or damp. When opening a condom, make sure that the foil, fingernails or jewellery do not damage the fine rubber. Never re-use a condom and never flush them down the toilet, wrap them in tissue and place them in the bin. Sex is a natural and healthy part of life but it does need thought and preparation, to avoid problems later on.

Senior Health

In this section of the site we have aimed to cover problems and illnesseswe believe to be the most frequent in the older person. Don’t forget if you don’t find it under this section try our search facility as it may be under a different section. If the illness/condition you require information on is not on this site then please fill out a feedback form telling us what it is you would like to see added. The majority of people in Great Britain are living longer, which of course is great news. But as the well-known saying goes it is ‘quality not quantity’ that makes the difference. I am sure we all agree, we don’t want to reach a good old age yet be unable to enjoy ourselves because of illness. Exercise and diet For some people getting old means lazing around on the sofa in front of the TV. However, after the age of 45 many people will begin to gain weight, so it is very important to stay physically active. Regular exercise helps reduce the effects of osteoporosis and arthritis. Exercise such as brisk walking, jogging and keep fit can help keep your bones strong. You should try and take exercise three times a week for approximately half an hour. Be careful not to over exercise as you may end up doing yourself more damage. If you haven't exercised for a while you should speak to your doctor about ways to get started. You can also try the following to keep you active: Try walking up stairs instead of using the lift or escalator. Take up gardening, raking leaves etc. Get off the bus a stop earlier and walk the distance. Wash the windows. Walk the dog, if you haven't got a pet consider getting one. Take grandchildren to the park for a walk. Take up a new activity like dancing, swimming or yoga. It is also very important that if you smoke you now give up, it is never too late to stop. Click here to read our page about smoking. Ensure you maintain a healthy diet, to help reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. For more information on what a healthy balanced diet consists of click here. Health awareness By the age of 65, you should have your eyesight checked regularly, NHS sight tests are free to people over 60 every 2 years. You should also visit your doctor at least once a year to have your blood pressure and hearing checked, even if you are in good health. Women should continue to practice breast awareness and check their breasts every month for lumps. A routine X-ray, known as a mammogram is available on the NHS for women aged between 50 and 64 by invitation, at three-yearly intervals. Women over 64 are not automatically invited for screening but screening is available on request. Men should look out for possible symptoms of prostate problems such as, difficulty or pain when urinating or needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night. By the time men reach their 70's, 40 per cent will have symptoms of an enlarged prostate. If you are over 75 years old make sure you visit your doctor or local pharmacist once a year, for a flu jab. The best time to be immunized is late September. If you are under 75 but have any of the following, you should also have the flu jab : - chronic respiratory disease, including asthma and bronchitis, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, low immunity due to disease or cancer treatment. However, if you don't fall into any of these categories and would like the flu jab you should speak to your doctor. When you reach retirement age you may find you have a lot of free time so why not take up a new hobby such as learning an instrument or taking a further education course. Make time to pamper yourself and visit a beauty clinic or the hairdressers. It is important to keep your mind active as you get older and you can do this by playing cards, writing letters or by doing crosswords. Also why not get in touch with all those people you have lost touch with over the years.

Male Health

In this section of the site we have aimed to cover illnesses and problems we believe to be the most frequent in men. Don’t forget, if you don’t find it under this section try our search facility as it may be under a different section. If the illness/condition you require information on is not on this site then please fill out a feedback form telling us what it is you would like to see added. Men are less likely to visit their doctor or know about their bodies than women. Most men only end up in a doctor's office because they were forced to by partners or loved ones or because the stomach pain, backache became unbearable and wouldn’t go away. Most men will look after their car better than what they look after themselves. When did your car last have a check up and when did you? Statistics show that men’s health has become a matter of serious concern especially when women are living longer than men. Men usually believe they are less at risk to disease and injury than women. The male population are raised believing it’s a good thing to be tough. Men tend to hide feelings and put on a brave face - which often includes ignoring pain. Perhaps men feel that they can’t afford to be ill because of work pressures, money worries or even their family commitments. If they complain of any ailment or illness they often believe it is a sign of weakness. There are 3 main types of cancer that can affect men only, and they are prostate, penile and testicular, all of which can be cured when caught in the early stages. Men should become aware of their bodies so any changes can be noticed quickly and advice given if needed. If you happen to find a lump it is most likely to be benign (non-canerous). A common lump in the skin is a sebaceous cyst, you can get this anywhere and is painless unless it becomes infected. Another common lump is a lipoma, which is filled with fat, this lump is again harmless and needs no surgery. If a lump appears at the top of the thigh or next to the scrotum this can be a hernia and if causing pain will need treating. However, some lumps can be cancerous so you should always visit your doctor for advice. Good health depends greatly on our lifestyles, what we eat and how much exercise we get. A balanced diet is essential to good health and keeping cholesterol levels down. However, it is also very important to have regular check-ups either at your doctors or a well man clinic. Ask your doctor where your nearest well mans clinic is located. A well mans clinic aims to increase the importance of male related health issues. The clinic will usually carry out tests for cholesterol, high blood pressure and monitor your weight. They also offer screening and support for more sensitive issues such as infertility, contraception and male only cancers.

Female Health

In this section of the site we have aimed to cover illnesses and problems we believe to be the most frequent in women. Don’t forget if you don’t find what you are looking for under this section try our search facility, as it may be under a different section. If the illness/condition you require information on is not on this site, then please fill out a feedback formtelling us what it is you would like to see added. I am sure you will agree, for most women, being well informed of their health is essential. Your body is a miraculous piece of natural engineering. Every month the body goes through a complex cycle of changes designed to make it possible for you to have a baby. On average, women are far better at visiting their doctors than men. In this day and age it is quite normal for a woman to be a mother, a wife, run the family home and also have a career. Due to all these responsibilities it is easy to forget about your health and general well being. Being female means many things. You are different from a man in many respects, you have smaller bones and female hormones that can protect you from some diseases yet put you at risk from others. You are vulnerable to breast cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes and are at a greater risk of catching Sexually Transmitted Diseases (S.T.D.) than men. The best way to enjoy a healthier life is to eat a healthy balanced diet, cut down on alcohol intake and quit smoking. You should also aim to do some form of regular exercise. Good health is not just about looking good it’s about feeling good and avoiding stress. More and more women are recognizing the importance of an annual health check. There are special clinics that women can attend, which are usually held at your local health centre. They are known as well-woman clinics and they will usually carry out tests such as smear tests, breast screening (once over the age of 50) and they will keep a check on your blood pressure and weight. All visits to a well-woman clinic are treated with strictest confidence.

Family Planning

Finding out a little bit more about fertility and when you are most fertile can make an incredible difference to planning your future. Identifying your fertile days - the days possible to get pregnant during each menstrual cycle, enables you to know the best time to conceive. Fertility Approximately 20% of women in the U.K. wrongly believe that they are likely to conceive just before or just after their period. Others incorrectly believe that it is possible to get pregnant on 21 days or more in every cycle.In fact, you normally have only 5 - 6 fertile days each menstrual cycle. These fertile days normally fall around ovulation - when one of your ovaries releases an egg. To help you understand more about fertility and ovulation, this section of our site explains when the best time is to try to have a baby and what happens during the fertilization process. We have identified possible reasons why you might not have fallen pregnant and what you can do to increase your chances of conception. Timing a pregnancy If you have been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for a few months, there is probably no need to worry. On average it takes about 3 - 6 months to conceive. Delays in getting pregnant may simply be a result of bad timing. As it is not possible to conceive outside your fertile days each month, it's important to time intercourse for your most fertile days, to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. You and your partner can do a great deal to improve your chances of conception by changing a few bad habits and adopting healthy ones. Two of the most important factors are the nutrition and fitness of the mother. The following points are important not just before deciding to have a baby, but also during your pregnancy: Eat a varied diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, protein-rich food such as fish, poultry, pulses and whole grains. Stop smoking or at least try and cut down. Decrease alcohol intake. Take regular exercise such as walking and swimming, we recommend that you try and aim for three 20-minute sessions a week. Learn to relax and try and avoid high stress levels. Very few couples are totally infertile. A much higher number are sub fertile - taking more than a year to conceive. Your G.P. will be happy to discuss any problems you are experiencing and how to maximize your chance of conceiving.