Women Need to Get Tested for Chlamydia, Say Experts

Experts have said that women need to get screened for chlamydia infection each time they have a new sexual partner. These comments follow a report in the British Medical Journal, which warned that annual screening alone is not enough for women to protect themselves against this condition.

"We urge all young people between 15 and 24 to complete a chlamydia test every time they begin seeing a new sexual partner. Young people should not only be tested after unprotected sex, but also after sexual contact. You do not have to have full sexual intercourse to contract chlamydia," said Julie Hughes, NHS Norfolk's Sexual Health Commissioning Manager.

The problem is compounded by the fact that chlamydia has no noticeable symptoms and is called the silent disease. It often leads to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which can cause infertility in women.

Over half the cases are diagnosed in women aged 16 and 24 years. If detected early, chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics.


Source-Medindia
RAS