Sexual health is something that concerns all of us, and each and every individual, whether in a sexually active relationship or not, has a duty of care to present and future partners to remain vigilant against the threat of infection. With chlamydia diagnosed more often than any other STI across the globe, extra steps must be taken to ensure this condition is tested for with regularity – especially given the absence of overt symptoms.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that infects the cervix, urethra, vagina, anus or throat, often laying dormant and avoiding detection without the aid of health screening. Under 25s are particularly at risk of the infection, which can be passed on from one partner to another through any kind of sexual contact that involves the exchange of fluids.
The chief reason that chlamydia is considered so hazardous is the aforementioned absence of easily diagnosable symptoms. The effects of chlamydia on the human body can a burning sensation when urinating, a swelling in the genitals or a thin, transparent penile discharge for men – all of which are also identified with more benign conditions, such as a Urinary Tract Infection. Female sufferers may endure heavier bleeding during their monthly cycle, or spontaneous vaginal bleeding between scheduled periods – in addition to the same painful urination. Unfortunately even these symptoms, which do not provide evidence of chlamydia unto themselves, will not manifest in everybody.
As a result of chlamydia’s status as the silent STI, regular sexual health screening is essential; ignoring the risk of the infection could have grave consequences if it should be discovered and diagnosed at a later date, including infertility in women. Many people choose to test for chlamydia at a sexual health clinic (also known as a GUM clinic), often located within a major hospital – although many major pharmacies will provide an individual under the age of 25 with a self-testing kit.
Should one decide to approach a healthcare professional, the procedure will be completed by laboratory testing of a urine sample or a swab from any potentially infected area, with results delivered within ten days. You’ll find your closest NHS-sponsored sexual health clinic listed on this handy search engine, or if you require a faster response to your tests, there are private clinics throughout the country that a 24-hour turnaround on results for a fee.
Even a trip to a clinic comes with certain baggage, however – concerns over being spotted perhaps, or simple awkwardness surrounding the discussion of your sexual history with a stranger. If you fall into such a camp, TESTD™ can offer the purchase a chlamydia test for just £24, which can be undertaken in your own home. With the guarantee of discretion and sensitivity, you’ll simply need to take a urine sample and return it to our laboratory – with everything you’ll need to undertake the testing, from the equipment to an unbranded return envelope, including in the purchase price.
Once received, a medical professional will examine your sample and notify you of the results via SMS after 24 hours of receiving your sample, typically the standard 7-10 day via a GUM clinic. No need for any awkward face-to-face conversations, or to book a specialist appointment. If your results come back as positive and confirm that you do indeed currently live with chlamydia, doctors at TESTD™ will send you a prescription against a nominal charge – a one-off treatment that will clear up your symptoms, but not provide immunisation against future infection. You will also need to notify any sexual partners you may have had over the last six months, as there is every chance that they too are carrying the infection – and may well be ignorant of this fact.
Screening for chlamydia has never been easier or more convenient, so there is truly no reason to take any chances. Purchase yourself a testing kit from us online, and enjoy a life free of worry.
