FINAL TSTO Lesa Dec 14.pdf - Flipbook - Page 60
So, what do we want young people to know
about chlamydia?
People who are having sex should get tested for STIs at
least once a year or when they get a new sexual partner.
Testing usually involves a simple urine test.
Chlamydia and other STIs can be passed on during
oral, vaginal and anal sex with an infected partner.
Choosing not to have vaginal, anal and oral sex will
prevent the transmission of chlamydia.
Up to 75% of women and 50% of men may have no
symptoms.
Both young women and young men can become
infected with, and pass on chlamydia.
Treatment is simple. It is usually just a single-dose
antibiotic.
Condoms will reduce the risk of contracting
chlamydia (but not all STIs).
Some things you should know about ALL sexually
transmitted infections
STIs can be passed on through vaginal, oral or anal sex.
Most STIs are transmitted through an exchange of body
fluids (semen, blood and vaginal fluids) but some, such as
genital warts and herpes, can be passed on through skinto-skin genital and oral-genital contact too.
Condoms and dams stop body fluids from being
exchanged (a dam is a thin latex square held over the
vaginal or anal area during oral sex). As some STIs can
be passed on through skin-to-skin contact, it’s important
to remember that condoms and dams only protect the
area of skin they cover.
STIs can cause a wide range of health problems, from mild
irritation to serious ongoing illness. some STIs are easily
cured with antibiotics if detected early, but can have longterm consequences if left untreated. While other STIs can’t
be cured (such as herpes), treatments are available to
ease symptoms.
Most STIs have no symptoms, so it’s possible to have one
and not know it. If you’ve had unprotected sex in the past,
get tested by a doctor.
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