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Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK, accounting for almost half of all STI diagnoses in 2014 according to Public Health England figures. It is usually associated with people under 25, making age a risk factor, however it can be caught by anyone. It can be treated and will cause no problems if caught early. However, if left untreated it can have an effect on your health. Learn more from testd.com

Sexual health is something that concerns all of us, and each and every individual, whether in a sexually active relationship or not, has a duty of care to present and future partners to remain vigilant against the threat of infection. With chlamydia diagnosed more often than any other STI across the globe, extra steps must be taken to ensure this condition is tested for with regularity – especially given the absence of overt symptoms.

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that infects the cervix, urethra, vagina, anus or throat, often laying dormant and avoiding detection without the aid of health screening. Under 25s are particularly at risk of the infection, which can be passed on from one partner to another through any kind of sexual contact that involves the exchange of fluids.

The chief reason that chlamydia is considered so hazardous is the aforementioned absence of easily diagnosable symptoms. The effects of chlamydia on the human body can a burning sensation when urinating, a swelling in the genitals or a thin, transparent penile discharge for men – all of which are also identified with more benign conditions, such as a Urinary Tract Infection. Female sufferers may endure heavier bleeding during their monthly cycle, or spontaneous vaginal bleeding between scheduled periods – in addition to the same painful urination. Unfortunately even these symptoms, which do not provide evidence of chlamydia unto themselves, will not manifest in everybody.

As a result of chlamydia’s status as the silent STI, regular sexual health screening is essential; ignoring the risk of the infection could have grave consequences if it should be discovered and diagnosed at a later date, including infertility in women. Many people choose to test for chlamydia at a sexual health clinic (also known as a GUM clinic), often located within a major hospital – although many major pharmacies will provide an individual under the age of 25 with a self-testing kit.

Should one decide to approach a healthcare professional, the procedure will be completed by laboratory testing of a urine sample or a swab from any potentially infected area, with results delivered within ten days. You’ll find your closest NHS-sponsored sexual health clinic listed on this handy search engine, or if you require a faster response to your tests, there are private clinics throughout the country that a 24-hour turnaround on results for a fee.

Even a trip to a clinic comes with certain baggage, however – concerns over being spotted perhaps, or simple awkwardness surrounding the discussion of your sexual history with a stranger. If you fall into such a camp, TESTD™ can offer the purchase a chlamydia test for just £24, which can be undertaken in your own home. With the guarantee of discretion and sensitivity, you’ll simply need to take a urine sample and return it to our laboratory – with everything you’ll need to undertake the testing, from the equipment to an unbranded return envelope, including in the purchase price.

Once received, a medical professional will examine your sample and notify you of the results via SMS after 24 hours of receiving your sample, typically the standard 7-10 day via a GUM clinic. No need for any awkward face-to-face conversations, or to book a specialist appointment. If your results come back as positive and confirm that you do indeed currently live with chlamydia, doctors at TESTD™ will send you a prescription against a nominal charge a one-off treatment that will clear up your symptoms, but not provide immunisation against future infection. You will also need to notify any sexual partners you may have had over the last six months, as there is every chance that they too are carrying the infection – and may well be ignorant of this fact.

Screening for chlamydia has never been easier or more convenient, so there is truly no reason to take any chances. Purchase yourself a testing kit from us online, and enjoy a life free of worry.

Are you practicing safe sex? With awareness and concerns surrounding possible infections increasing all the time, we’d certainly hope so. However, it’s only natural that anybody in a committed relationship may want to stop using protection.

If this applies to you, consider purchasing a home STI test from TESTD™ – this will provide you with all the peace of mind that comes with a clean bill of sexual health, and none of the embarrassment of attending a specialist clinic and risking being spotted by a friend or family member.

It’s not just established relationships that benefit from home STI testing, either – anybody that is looking to change partners owes it to themselves and others to ensure that they are not carrying any untoward infections that can be passed on. Not all STIs come with physical symptoms that can be spotted by a layperson – or even a healthcare professional, as they sometimes mirror those of a more benevolent condition.

If you do have any potential symptoms that may relate to an STI, TESTD™ are on hand to assist. If you point your web browser at the official website, you will be invited to answer some questions about your sexual history and activity – all of which will be done anonymously and without the need to consult a GP or GUM clinic specialist in person. Based upon the answers provided, TESTD™ will recommend your next course of action – and wherever applicable, recommend a home STI test that will be delivered in subtle packaging and provide prompt, reliable results via our partner lab.

Of course, you may be familiar with the symptoms that you are exhibiting, or simply concerned about a particular infection. In these instances, you can head straight to the TESTD™ online shop, where you’ll be able to choose from a vast array of extremely competitively priced home STI tests. These include targeted investigations into such common complaints as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or hepatitis, or even HIV. Full instructions that are very simple to follow will be included in these subtle, unmarked tests, as will a return envelope. It couldn’t be any simpler to confirm your sexual safety, and sleep easier at night in the knowledge that you are not placing yourself or your partner in any danger.

The home STI tests available from TESTD™ vary from the individual conditions discussed above to combinations and groupings for particular types of sexual activity. Titles such as ‘The Full Monty’ and ‘End the Worry’ are fully comprehensive and will cover everything that anybody may wish to know, while individuals considered to be at higher risk such as ‘Men Who Have Sex With Men’ also have a dedicated screening package.

Once your home STI test arrives – which, remember, will be indistinguishable from any other package that comes to your door, so you don’t need to worry about a nosy postman gossiping about your business – you’ll find details of everything you need to do to fulfil your screening. In some cases this is a urine sample, in others you’ll be asked to submit a DNA swab taken from your cheek, or in the event of a blood test request, you’ll just need to prick your finger with a needle and apply the sample to a cotton pad. The fuller screenings may require all three of these samples. Once your home STI test is ready to return, just pop it into the provided padded envelope and wait for the results as they are assessed by a healthcare professional at the TESTD™ dedicated laboratory.

Results will be delivered as an SMS message, which will provide further information. If everything comes back negative, no further action is needed – just enjoy a worry-free sex life until you next require or want the services of a home STI test. Even if you are greeted by a message that tells you to contact the lab, don’t panic – this might be a case of your sample being contaminated or damaged in transit, and a replacement is required. If you will require further medical attention, this will be relayed to you – and in many cases a course of antibiotics from your GP will resolve any problems unearthed by your home STI test.

Sexual health is something that deserves to be taken seriously, and as we now live in the digital age there is no reason to avoid undertaking a regular home STI test, Pick yours up now, and take the worry out of your sex life.