What another fantastic show Monday gone...
This week the hot topic was CHLAMYDIA!
I was joined by Florence Acquah from the Brent NHS screening programme and boy did we chat!
We covered just about every aspect of Chlamydia there is to cover.
Firstly we outlined the fact that Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world!
Chlamydia is transferred through bodily fluids and even a pregnant mother with Chlamydia, can infect her baby.
The most disturbing part is the fact that Chlamydia often shows NO symptoms!
That’s right, the infection can be in your body for weeks, months, even years before you realise and the only sure fire way to find out, is to have a simple Chlamydia test!
Although in a lot of cases Chlamydia does not display itself, there are occasions when it does.
Let’s look at women first:
Possible symptoms include:
- Bleeding after sex
- Vaginal discharge
- Pain/bleeding during sex
- Bleeding between/heavier periods
- Lower abdominal pain
- Cystitis
For guys:
- Pain in the testicles
- An unusual discharge
- Pain when passing urine
So as you can see, there may be some signs but to reiterate, quite often there are none!!!!
In any case, any of the above symptoms should be investigated as they may well be pointing to other health related issues.
Another point worth noting is the fact that Chlamydia can affect the eyes, throat and rectum – not pleasant eh?
Well, all the above is true… if Chlamydia is in the throat – again there may not be any symptoms to indicate this.
Chlamydia in the rectum could be very uncomfortable with itching and swelling present, whilst Chlamydia in the eyes presents itself as conjunctivitis – again…not something to be ignored!
During the show, we looked at the causes of Chlamydia and as it is a sexually transmitted infection, it is passed through any form of intimate contact including: unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex, sharing sex toys or any form of genital contact.
If you are unlucky enough to get infected vaginal fluid or semen in your eyes…again, the infection may be passed on to you.
Another important note is that, in most cases it is very simple to determine whether one has Chlamydia or not…a simple urine test.
Gone are the days when a swab was the only way to check (although in some cases, it may still be necessary).
Chlamydia tests are available at GUM/sexual health clinics, pharmacists and of course, you can have a word with your doctor if you need additional advice.
Generally Chlamydia tests are free (unless you buy the kit directly from a pharmacist) if you go through the clinics or doctors but you may have to pay for any necessary prescriptions unless you are an NHS patient.
I guess now would be great time to mention, if you between the ages of 15-24 and live in Brent, you can in fact get a free Chlamydia test, free treatment if required AND AND AND a£10 HMV voucher just for doing the test!
How about that???
To find out more, simply visit www.freetest.me
I personally think ALL 15-24 should get a test, especially if it’s free!
There is absolutely NO reason why you shouldn’t…it would equal peace of mind and if you were diagnosed with having Chlamydia, a simple course of antibiotics would clear you up and you would be on your way!!!
NO EXCUSES – know your status!!!!
In fact, let me rephrase, not only ALL 15-24 year olds should know their status ALL sexually active people should.
Every time you have a new partner….check yourself out!
Again…peace of mind counts for a lot!
My final word on Chlamydia would have to be one that stresses the importance of knowing your status.
Both Florence
Also, if you have Chlamydia whilst pregnant, the infection can cause miscarriage or premature birth.
In guys, Chlamydia can cause Urethritis which is inflammation of the Urethra which is the urine tube in the penis. If left alone, this can affect the urine flow and ultimately damage kidneys because of the pressure involved.
Sperm can also be affected.
If inflammation in or around the testes occur, sperm can be damaged.
Chlamydia can leave you infertile!
I think the bottom line here peeps is….USE CONDOMS and TAKE REGULAR CHECK UPS!!!
If you can’t do the above….ABSTAIN from sex!!!!
That is roughly about it…I will be putting up the audio for the show as soon as…
In the meantime, have a good one…keep it healthy and remember to tune in every Monday from 9pm for more taboo, exciting and interest grabbing subjects on Subject:Blu with me and my lovely guests!!!
Take care x
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