Ive heard that Chlamydia can affect my fertility is that true?
Yes. In the UK the sexually transmitted infection, Chlamydia, is a leading cause of infertility in young women. It is estimated that as many as one in ten women under the age of 24 have Chlamydia. Many clinics therefore test women for this infection at the time of an abortion, in order to reduce the risk of it causing infertility. Chlamydia is easy to test for and can be effectively treated with a course of antibiotics if it is detected early enough. To avoid re-infection it is important for the woman’s partner to be tested and treated also. Chlamydia that remains untreated in men can affect their fertility too. The young people’s clinic, Brook, has clinics around the country and offers confidential testing for sexually transmitted infections including Chlamydia. The confidential fpa helpline 0845 310 1334 can also give information about supportive services local to the caller. Consistent condom use is essential in reducing the risk of both infection and unintended pregnancy.
