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1. Hard to spell... easy to catch.
2. You never know what someone is carrying around with them.
- Be aware - most people don't have symptoms. Click here.
3. It could be with you for life.
- Left untreated it can lead to serious health problems like infertility for both women and men; women may not be able to get pregnant and men may not be able to get someone pregnant. Click here.
4. Testing is as easy as 1-2-pee.
- Urine testing is available for both men and women at the Health Unit and other locations. Click here.
5. Don’t be a fool, cover the tool.
- Both men and women can protect themselves by using a condom. Click here.
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Chlamydia is a bacteria that is spread through unprotected sex. It's the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Canada. Even though it is very common, it's still important to take it seriously.
Chlamydia can't be spread by kissing; on toilet seats, bed linens, or doorknobs; in swimming pools, hot tubs or bathtubs; or by sharing clothes or eating utensils.
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Unfortunately, most people don't have symptoms. If symptoms do appear, you could see...
Women:
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A change or increase in discharge from the vagina
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Pain when you pee
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Pain in lower abdomen (stomach area)
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Itching or irritation of genitals
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Pain during sex
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Bleeding or spotting between periods and/or after vaginal sex
Men:
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Discharge from opening of penis
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Burning when you pee
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Pain or swelling of testicles
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Burning or itching around the hole at the tip of penis
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In a small percentage of women, a Chlamydia infection will develop into pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as PID. Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms. Both may cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues. The damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility (e.g. not able to get pregnant) and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus). Ectopic pregnancy can be fatal for the mother.
In men, the Chlamydia infection sometimes spreads to the epididymis (the tube that carries sperm from the testis). This could cause sterility (e.g. not able to get a woman pregnant).
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Urine tests are now available to test for Chlamydia. This is a simple test - all that is required is to pee in a cup!
However, there may be times when a swab test is needed; if the person has symptoms or if a woman is menstruating (e.g. has her period).
Visit the Health Unit's clinic for FREE testing - click here for days and times.
There are other locations you can visit for testing - click here for more information.
Chlamydia can be cured by taking an antibiotic. The medication is provided free of charge at the Health Unit or with a valid prescription from your family doctor.
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Both men and women can protect themselves by using a condom.
Click here for directions on how to properly use a male condom.
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