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Women's health chat with Dr Sarah Brewer
How do I know if its chlamydia?
Q: I've read about the recent rise in chlamydia infections in women, and how many women don't even realise that they are infected, or have been infected in the past, because the symptoms can be hard to spot in the early stages. Is this something I can ask my GP to test for at my next smear test or would I be better of getting tested at a GUM clinic, sooner rather than later?
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A: If you have had unprotected sex, and are at risk of a sexually transmissible infection such as chlamydia, then it is a good idea to get checked sooner rather than later. Around two out of three women with chlamydia do not experience symptoms. Those that can occur include discharge, spotting of blood - especially after sex, discomfort and abdominal pain. If left untreated, it can progress to pelvic inflammatory disease, which is a serious and painful condition that can fur up the fallopian tubes and reduce fertility.
While your doctor may be happy to screen you for chlamydia, it is usually best to visit a specialist genito-urinary medicine clinic where you can have a full screen for everything confidentially, as it won't be entered into your GP notes. Chlamydia testing is also available from some pharmacies.
Dr Sarah Brewer
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Created: 24/11/2003 Updated: 10/10/2007
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