A new test for Chlamydia is now available to females in the Capital District. The test involves a vaginal swab, which you can do yourself at a doctor’s office, clinic or health centre.

That’s right, you can do it yourself.  Stirrups and speculums are no longer needed for a Chlamydia test.

The facts:

• Chlamydia is the #1 reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) among women and men 15 to 24 years of age
• You can get Chlamydia from unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex
• 70 per cent of women and 50 per cent of men who have Chlamydia don’t have any symptoms. You could have Chlamydia and not know it
• If Chlamydia is not treated, it may cause
  • In women: inflamed uterus, severe pelvic pain, infertility (unable to become pregnant)
  • In men: pain in the groin area, sterility (unable to produce children)

If you have Chlamydia:

• Take the antibiotics as prescribed
• You are still infectious even if you have no symptoms. Refrain from sexual activity for seven days after you begin your antibiotics
• Inform your partner(s) that they should be tested and that Chlamydia is easy to test for and easy to treat. Public Health can do this for you anonymously, call (902) 481-5936
• Protect yourself against getting Chlamydia again by using a condom for all sexual activity (vaginal, anal and oral sex)
• A public health nurse may contact you

Test. Treat. Cure.