Sign inChlamydia
As the Christmas party season reaches its peak, new research released today by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPSGB) reveals how the party atmosphere mixed with large quantities of alcohol are leading to serious sexual health hangovers.
Experts predict the number of Chlamydia cases are expected to soar this Christmas as statistics on emergency contraception reveal that the number of people having unprotected sex peaks in December.
The research by the Society highlights how 1 in 6 young people admit to drinking 3 times more alcohol during the festive season compared to their consumption on regular nights out.
What are the symptoms of non-gonococcal urethritis? (caused by chlamydia)
- A white discharge (fluid) from the end of the penis is common, but does not occur in every case.
- Pain or burning when you pass urine. This may be confused with a urine infection.
- Irritation inside the penis.
- A feeling of wanting to pass urine frequently.
- In a small number of cases the infection travels up the urethra to the testes and causes pain and swelling in one or both testes.
- A rare complication is a type of arthritis which can be triggered by NGU. It may be due to the immune system 'over-reacting' to some bacteria that can cause NGU.
- Up to half of men with chlamydia infection (the most common cause of NGU) do not have any symptoms.
The symptoms may clear over time, even without treatment. This may take up to six months, but can be just a couple of weeks or so. However, without treatment, bacteria that cause NGU often remain in the urethra. It is just that the symptoms may go.
Therefore, even if symptoms go, there is a good chance that you can pass on the infection if you are not treated.
Find out more
Click here to see all our information on Chlamydia.
Free testing
Free testing for Chlamydia is available, for example, from www.freetest.me or find out about tyour local free test services here www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk.