Chlamydia and Reproduction
What is it?
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the UK. It is most common in those under 25 years old but can affect anyone. It can easily be treated with antibiotics, but if not picked up can lead to long lasting problems, particularly for women. Chlamydia can infect the urethra (water passage), the uterus (womb), the cervix (neck of womb), the fallopian tubes, testicles, rectum (back passage), throat and eyes.
What symptoms would I have?
Most people do not know they have chlamydia. Women may have bleeding in between their periods or after sex, a vaginal discharge or low abdominal pain. Men may have discharge from their penis or pain when passing urine.
What problems can it cause?
In women, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection of the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries) that can block fallopian tubes and cause problems with fertility. It can also increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in the wrong place). In men, chlamydia may cause pain and swelling of the testicles.
How can I test for and treat Chlamydia?
Chlamydia can be tested for via a self-taken vaginal swab, a urine test or a test during a medical examination by a nurse or doctor. Treatment is usually with a short course of antibiotics.
What might happen at a fertility clinic if I’ve had Chlamydia?
Everyone attending a fertility clinic should have a chlamydia screening test.
If a woman has had chlamydia, then she will usually be offered a test to check if her fallopian tubes are open. This may involve an ultrasound, x-ray or an operation. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, you may be offered an operation to assess if they can be unblocked or if this is not possible, a procedure may be recommended to remove them. IVF treatment may be offered to bypass the blockage.
In men, chlamydia may affect the quality of sperm and can block the passage that sperm travels through when being produced. A urine test can check for the infection and a semen analysis is also recommended.
