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An illness caused by bacteria, Chlamydia is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STD). In the early stages of chlamydia, most people don't show any symptoms.
Even though the STI is common, most women (90%) and men (70%) who have it show no symptoms at all. Chlamydia, on the other hand, might create health concerns later on.
Young individuals aged 15 to 24 were subjected to 954,636 chlamydia testing in the UK in 2020, which is a 30 percent drop from 2019.
However, the test positive rate for this age group was steady at 9.8 percent, down 31 percent from last year's 93,545 chlamydia cases.
Internet-delivered chlamydia tests grew from 21% in 2019 to 40% in 2020; internet-delivered diagnoses climbed from 17% to 36% during the same period.
Nonetheless, why the decline? Should we be less concerned as a result of this?
Accordingly, in reaction to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the UK government has imposed rigorous non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in the form of regional and national lockdowns as well as distancing measures on a social and physical level (SHSs). In the first year of the COVID epidemic, the number of STI tests and diagnoses dropped across the board.
Why is safety so important?
Associated, correct condom use protects against HIV, other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and unplanned pregnancy. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is offered from sexual health services for persons at risk of HIV infection. Inoculation for HPV infection, hepatitis A and hepatitis B will protect against illness caused by these viruses and prevent the spread of these diseases. These sexual health services provide free and confidential HIV and STI testing, condoms, PrEP, immunisation, and contraceptive counselling.
Chlamydia is a common STIs. It is caused by bacteria that can be passed during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Chlamydia is unlikely to cause symptoms. If symptoms do occur, people with chlamydia experience the first signs within a few weeks of contracting the infection. These include:
pain or burning during urination
an abnormal discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus
swelling in the testicles or scrotum
The infection can also lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and reproductive issues if left untreated.
Untreated gonorrhoea can lead to itching, soreness, and pain in the rectum, such as during bowel movements. Women with untreated gonorrhoea may also experience prolonged, heavy periods and pain during intercourse.
Chlamydia, if left untreated, can lead to severe problems, so it's important to get regular screenings and speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Antibiotics are effective in treating Chlamydia. If it's treated immediately, it's curable and unlikely to have long-term effects.
