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Chlamydia

The most common STI in the UK, often with no symptoms. Easily treated.

Speak to a GP about chlamydiaFrom £79

In short

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK and often causes no symptoms. It's easily cured with antibiotics. Testing and treating partners prevents reinfection and complications. NHS sexual health testing is free.

Overview

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It frequently causes no symptoms, so it can be passed on unknowingly. Left untreated it can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and fertility problems. It's straightforward to test for and cure with antibiotics.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Often no symptoms at all
  • Unusual discharge from the vagina, penis, or rectum
  • Pain or burning when urinating
  • Pain during sex or bleeding between periods (women)
  • Testicular pain (men)
  • Pelvic pain

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if you have symptoms, a recent new or unprotected sexual contact, or a partner has tested positive. Free testing is available through NHS sexual health services and postal kits.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain with fever (possible pelvic inflammatory disease, seek urgent care)
  • Testicular pain and swelling (needs prompt assessment)
  • Symptoms in pregnancy (treat promptly)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • A confidential assessment of symptoms and risk
  • Guidance on testing (a self-swab or urine sample, often via a free NHS service or postal kit)
  • Prescription of antibiotics (usually doxycycline) where treatment is appropriate
  • Advice on telling partners and avoiding reinfection
  • Advice to avoid sex until treatment is complete
  • Referral to an NHS sexual health service for testing and partner notification (free)

What we don't do

  • On-site STI testing and partner notification (free via NHS sexual health services)
  • Treatment of complications like pelvic inflammatory disease needing specialist care

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about chlamydia starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate. NHS sexual health testing is free; you pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about chlamydia

Can I have chlamydia without symptoms?
Yes, most people with chlamydia have no symptoms, which is why testing matters if you've had unprotected sex or a new partner. Untreated, it can cause complications.
How is it treated?
With a short course of antibiotics, usually doxycycline. It's very effective. You should avoid sex until you and your partner(s) have finished treatment.
Do I need to tell my partners?
Yes, recent partners should be tested and treated to prevent reinfection and complications. NHS sexual health services can help with this confidentially (partner notification).
Where can I get tested for free?
NHS sexual health clinics and online postal testing kits are free. We can guide you to the right option and treat where appropriate.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about chlamydia?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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