Sexually Transmitted Infections: What Published Guidance Supports
Most chlamydia is symptomless, which means testing rather than symptoms is what finds it before it causes harm.
Key takeaways
- Most common bacterial STI in the UK: chlamydia
- Symptoms: often absent, particularly in chlamydia
- Most useful single change: Test regularly if you have new or multiple partners.
- Commonest mistake: Waiting for symptoms before testing.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
What it is
Infections passed on through sexual contact, many of which cause no symptoms. It sits within Sexual Health. Here are the numbers, taken from the guidance cited at the end.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Most common bacterial STI in the UK | chlamydia |
| Symptoms | often absent, particularly in chlamydia |
| Testing | free and confidential at sexual health services |
| Postal self-test kits | available free in many areas |
| Untreated chlamydia | can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility |
What helps
The advice below comes straight from the guidance cited at the foot of this page.
- Test regularly if you have new or multiple partners
- Use free postal testing kits where they are available
- Tell partners so they can be tested; services can help anonymously
- Complete any treatment course and avoid sex as advised
What to avoid
The common mistakes, including the ones that sound sensible.
- Waiting for symptoms before testing
- Assuming a previous negative test still applies
- Stopping treatment early or sharing medication
Where to go next
- Popular Beliefs About Sexually Transmitted Infections, and What Is Actually Published
- Sexually Transmitted Infections for Beginners: Where to Start
- Sexually Transmitted Infections — the reference entry
- The Evidence on Contraception Choices, Without the Hype
- What the Guidance Really Says About HIV
When to speak to a doctor
Seek urgent assessment for lower abdominal pain with fever, pain during sex, unusual discharge with pain, or testicular pain and swelling — these can indicate pelvic inflammatory disease or epididymo-orchitis, both of which can affect fertility. Seek emergency care for sudden severe testicular pain.
Where this comes from
- NHS — Sexually transmitted infections
- British Association for Sexual Health and HIV — guidance
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
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