Screening for Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in Britain. The majority of women who are infected don't know they are carrying it. If it spreads from the vagina into the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries it can cause a serious infection (called pelvic inflammatory disease) which may lead to fertility problems in the future. If caught early, treatment is simple: a course of antibiotics. This will clear up the infection very quickly and the operation need not be delayed. If chlamydia is present, it can be spread by surgery. We recommend that women are tested for it before an abortion (or any procedure where the cervix is opened, such as insertion of an IUD or a D&C). This is a sensible precaution to prevent serious infection. You may not be offered this test as a matter of routine so you may have to ask for it, or organise it yourself. You can have it done at your local genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic. There should be one at your local hospital. You do not need a referral from your GP, and at many you don't need an appointment. If you are found to have chlamydia, your partner(s) must also be tested and given treatment, otherwise you will be re-infected. Your local GUM clinic will help you.