STI series: Chlamydia
Chlamydia Trachomatis is a bacterial virus and found in semen and vaginal fluids of those carrying the infection, writes sex and relationships therapist Emma Ziff.
Join us each day this week as we examine the role of pharmacy in Chlamydia screening.
Related Article: HPV vaccine reduces risk of cervical cancer death to 'close to zero'
More and more pharmacists are being seen by their patients as their ‘local doctors’. It can be great for pharmacists to be held in such high esteem but it does mean that you need to be prepared for any conversation, and of course, have the knowledge of a wide array of subjects. As a sex therapist, I have an understanding of the mind and body and how sexual health can affect someone in many ways.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be a sensitive topic for many patients. An added anxiety could be if an infection is time sensitive coupled with the fear of someone close to them finding out.
Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK among those under 25. One in 12 sexually active people is thought to have chlamydia and it is important to know how to prevent it, how to identify it and how to treat it.
Related Article: Boots campaign raises awareness for skin disease of the neck
How can Chlamydia be contracted?
Chlamydia can be contracted through unprotected vaginal, anal or even oral sex, as well as through the shared use of sex toys, which have not been washed after use.
Related Article: Novel flu and coronavirus infections remain greatest health security threats
If someone is sexually active, they are advised to have regular checks. Patients are recommended to get tested if they have mentioned any of the following:
- Said they may have an STI
- Had unprotected sex with a new partner
- A condom has split while having sex
- Had unprotected sex with other people other than their partner
- Have symptoms of Chlamydia with a new partner
- They are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
Stay tuned for tomorrow's instalment where we inspect how to identify chlamydia.
Keep your clinical knowledge up to date with The Pharmacist
Extend your learning and record your learning outcomes
Have your say
Please add your comment in the box below. You can include links, but HTML is not permitted. Please note that comments are not moderated before publication and the views expressed are those of the user and do not reflect the views of The Pharmacist. Remember that submission of comments is governed by our Terms and Conditions. You can also read our full guidelines on article comments here – but please be aware that you are legally liable for any libellous or offensive comments that you make. If you have a complaint about a comment or are concerned that a comment breaches our terms and conditions, please use the ‘Report this comment’ function to alert our web team.