October 29th 2019

Hi there Caddyshackers

Our last few blogs have been fun and cute, but it is time we had a chat, a really important chat. Well, apart from the cute Koala pics.

We are going to go all big sister on you.

It’s time for us to talk about Chlamydia

Yes, it is likely you have heard about Chlamydia before.

Most people know that koalas get Chlamydia! Poor little furry friends get it in their eyes and it can make them go blind.

Us humans, we get it in our genitals and orifices where sexual fluids are shared, i.e. the mouth, vagina, anus or penis.

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is easily passed from one infected person’s sexual fluids to another person during acts of unprotected sex.

Chlamydia is a sneaky STI, we often say it is asymptomatic, or the silent STI, as up to 80% of people who test positive with Chlamydia had no signs or symptoms. If we have no signs or symptoms, we often assume everything is fine, so we may continue having unprotected sex. The more people we have sex with, the more likely it is we will contract and spread chlamydia.

What are the possible signs or symptoms?

For males, symptoms are often easier to see, they see their genitals multiple times a day when showering and toileting. They may experience pain when peeing, a penile discharge (this is often mistaken as pre-cum, as it is clear and sticky) or they may experience pain in the testes(balls). For females symptoms may include pain when peeing, a discharge, lower abdominal pain and bleeding after sex.

So, with few signs or symptoms, how would you know if you have chlamydia or not?

The only real way to tell is to get a sexual health screen. For chlamydia, this is as simple as a pee in a jar. Chlamydia screening is easy, private and confidential. In some cases, swabs may be taken as a part of the sexual health check-up, particularly of the mouth and anus. This is why the Doctor or Nurse will also ask about the types of sex you are engaging in, not because they are nosy, but because they need to know your risks and which sites they need to test.

Ok, you have a positive chlamydia result, now what?

Yep, we learn from our experiences.

The knowledge here is that condoms (both external and internal) are still the best form of protection against STIs.

If you do get a positive result, you are not alone. Chlamydia is around and there are over 250,000 reported cases in NSW every year.

Chlamydia can be easily treated (and cured) with a dose of antibiotics. The tablets are taken, no sex for 7 days (let’s give the tablets time to work) and happy days, back to sex again.

It’s important that your sexual partners are also notified and treated. If you don’t feel ok to do this, the Doctor or Nurse can help to do this anonymously.

Why is all of this so important?

Well, sexual health is a part of your health. Regular check-ups are important to ensure you do not have an STI. Chlamydia can be easily treated, however if it goes left untreated, it can cause infertility (you may not be able to babies).

For peace of mind, a pee in a jar is quick, confidential and simple.

To find out more, or to get details on your nearest sexual health clinic call The Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.

What we are loving right now

Some laugh out loud moments scrolling through the Man Who Has It All Facebook page. A satirical page that exposes the absurdity of the patriarchy by turning the tables.

‘Man who has it all’ highlights the sexism, stereotypes and bias women experience everyday by imagining a world where men are treated in the same way society treats women.

“Men! Just a little reminder to smile today, because women like positive men”

Until next time,

Peace, love and protection

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