Chlamydia

[rach912]

Hi there, I found out recently that I may have caught Chlamydia 5 years ago, I have only just been told but have had no reason to ever have this checked out before now as I have been with the same partner for all this time and have never had any problems. I need to go and get this checked out but wondered if anyone could tell me:
- by possibly having it for this long without treatment will it definitely mean that there will be a problem with my fertility etc.
- although I know there can be no symptoms can this still be the case after 5 years?
- can my GP do the test or will I have to go to a GUM clinic?
- I have been told that you can now buy kits in Boots but are these as reliable as going to a doctor. I am sorry about all the questions but really would be grateful of any help, I am worried. Thanks x

[chazza]

No it will not have definitely affected your fertility. It can lead to Pelvic Inflammitory Disease which affects your fertility, but this is painful so you would know about it (in most cases).

You can buy the tests in chemists (or over the internet if you are shy) and they are as accurate as the ones that GPs do (they are the same ones as GPs use in many cases), and if it is positive, a week of anti biotics will clear you up!

[Goodsoulette]

they arent as accurate as a gp test as they are difficult to read. If you go to your doctors or some chemists and say you have been exposed to chlamydia they will no doubt just give you the right antibiotics to clear it up. Your boyfriend will need to be treated too. Its highly contagious unprotected sex with a partner who has it leaves you a 50/50 chance of contracting it.


Good luck.