What is chlamydia, symptoms,
why should I care
The Facts
- It's the most common STi
- 1 in 12 young people tested have chlamydia
- It's a bacterial infection and can be easily treated with antibiotics
- Chlamydia can be passed on through vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, sharing sex toys, and through luv juices on your fingers
If you are straight, gay, bisexual or transsexual you are at risk of catching Chlamydia
Why should I care?
Chlamydia is called the ‘silent disease’ and you may not have any symptoms at all, however, Chlamydia can cause pain / burning when having a wee, Irritation at the tip of the penis, A discharge from the tip of the penis, swollen painful testes. If Chlamydia isn't treated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body causing damage and serious long-term problems including infertility.
How to get tested and treated
Its quick, it's easy and it's confidential! All you need to do is get a kit, fill out the form with your contact details, pee in a pot and pop it in the post
If you have Chlamydia Treatment is simple and FREE!
Just 4 antibiotic tablets!
For most people 4 tablets taken all in one go is all you need as well as.... NO SEX FOR 7 DAYS EVEN WITH A CONDOM! To avoid being re-infected it is important that your partner(s) is also seen and treated.
R U READY?
Have you ever felt that: everybody's doing it except you? Pressured by your mates? Worried about STI's and pregnancy? Waiting can be fun! Know the facts and do what's right for you. If you have doubts why not wait? Take time to explore your own body first, remember masturbation won't make you go blind!
Condoms
THE FACTS
Condoms offer safe protection for you and your partner against STI's and pregnancy.... condoms don't have to be dull, add a little spice to your luv life by experimenting with ribbed, dotted, colored, flavored and many more styles! And don't forget the lube!
Condoms are free! REMEMBER GAY OR STRAIGHT YOU NEED TO USE A CONDOM!
If you are under 25 why not sign up for the condom distribution scheme? You'll receive a CD card that will enable you to get a party bag of condoms from many organizations for free whenever you need them. Have a look at our Where to get Help page to see where to join the scheme
Ordering a kit
IF YOU ARE AGED 25 OR UNDER (or your partner is) AND YOU LIVE ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT… GOOD NEWS! HOME TEST KITS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. There are 5 ways to request a testing kit.... by phone, by email, by fax, by post or through this website. Follow this link
Keep a check - ball games
You need to take good care of your balls! Testicular cancer mostly affects young men aged 15-35. Once a month have a check of your testicles after you've had a bath/shower, its easier to do when you're standing as gravity makes them hang down. Feel each testicle in turn using both hands. With your thumb on top and index fingers underneath roll the testicles gently feeling for lumps or tenderness. Get used to weighing each testicle in the palm of your hand, checking for swelling and any changes in shape, size and heaviness. You should feel a sausage shaped tube at the top of the testicle, this is normal and is called the epididymis, it is the tube that carries and stores sperm. WARNING SIGNS - swelling in one testicle, a small hard lump, dull aching in your testicles or groin, one testicle that grows larger or is heavier than the other, blood coming form the penis when you pee. If you notice any changes pop along to your GP for a chat.
Other STI's
There are lots of STI's out there.... for more info on STI's, testing and treatment follow the link to www.wish-net.co.uk and view online videos of the Sexual Health experience and STI screening