While Chlamydia can be easily treated, if the infection is not diagnosed and remains untreated it can lead to serious health conditions.
In women the infection can spread to the womb, ovaries or the fallopian tubes if not detected and treated. This can lead to the condition of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) developing - one of the most common, yet preventable causes of infertility. As well as infertility, PID can also result in chronic pain of the pelvis and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages.
In men Chlamydia is the most common cause of urethritis, which in some cases leads to the common symptoms of Chlamydia, such as a cloudy discharge from the penis and a burning sensation when urinating. Men may also suffer from Epididymitis as a result of an untreated infection. Epididymitis may cause some inflammation, swelling and tenderness in the scrotum (ball sack) and in some cases this can lead to infertility.
The freetest.me service offers free chlamydia testing and HIV testing in participating regions. Simply visit freetest.me to see if you're eligible to order a free STI test kit.
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