How common is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is often thought of as more of a problem for straight people, but nearly 5,000 UK gay and bisexual men were treated for it in 2005. Chlamydia is often the cause of non-specific urethritis (NSU).

What causes chlamydia?

Chlamydia is caused by bacteria. It normally affects the urethra, but can live in the arse and throat too.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Many people don't notice symptoms when they have chlamydia. But 10 to 20 days after getting infected you might notice:

• a discharge from the cock or arse
• pain when pissing
• pain in the arse or balls.

How is chlamydia passed on?

You can get chlamydia through unprotected:

• fucking or being fucked
• sucking or being sucked
• rimming
• fisting.

How is chlamydia prevented?

Using a condom greatly reduces the risk of you picking up chlamydia or passing it on.

No-one's immune to chlamydia. If you've had it before, you can get it again.

How is chlamydia treated?

A sample of your piss is tested or a swab taken from your urethra.

Antibiotics can cure the infection, either with one tablet or a course lasting a week or two.

What happens if chlamydia isn't treated?

Untreated chlamydia can cause serious damage to the balls (known as epididymitis), arthritis or prostatitis (long-term inflammation inside the arse).