Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea & Mycoplasma genitalium
Click on the links below to find out more about symptoms, how and when to test, and further information.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia
What is it?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. It can be spread through oral, anal, vaginal/frontal sex and sharing sex toys.
Symptoms
Most people with chlamydia do not notice any symptoms and do not know they have it. In the penis it can cause:- Discharge
- Pain passing urine
- Pain and swelling in the testicles
In the vagina/front hole it can cause:
- Unusual discharge
- Pain passing urine
- Pain during sex
- Unusual bleeding
- Lower tummy pain
When should I test?
- It can take up to 2 weeks for Chlamydia to show in a test.
- If you have no symptoms and just want to test you should leave it 2 weeks after sexual contact to test.
- If you have symptoms, you should contact the clinic to discuss on 01225 826855.
How is it tested?
Chlamydia is tested through a self-taken swab or a urine sample. Please make sure you hold your urine for at least an hour before you take the test.
How is it treated?
Chlamydia is easily treated with a course of antibiotics. You should avoid sex until 7 days after treatment has completed to avoid passing it on. Chlamydia is tested through a self-taken swab or a urine sample. Please make sure you hold your urine for at least an hour before you take the test.Where can I test?
- In BANES you can test at our clinic, you need to call our booking line to book, or if you have female anatomy and are under 25 years old you can order a postal kit.
- In Bristol - at Yuno Sexual Health or order a postal kit.
- In the Wiltshire area - order a postal kit.
- In the Somerset area - Swish Services.
Where can I read more about Chlamydia?
Please see our useful links page.Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea
What is it?
Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial infection. It can be spread through oral, anal, vaginal/frontal sex and sharing sex toys. Many people, especially women and those with a vagina may not experience any symptoms at all.
Symptoms
In the penis it can cause:- A heavy green discharge
- An intense pain when passing urine
In the vagina/front hole, it can cause:
- A heavy vaginal discharge
- Unusual bleeding
- Lower tummy pain
- Pain when passing urine
When should I test?
- It can take up to 2 weeks for Gonorrhoea to show in a test.
- If you have no symptoms and just want to test you should leave it 2 weeks after sexual contact to test.
- If you have symptoms, you should contact the clinic to discuss on 01225 826855.
How is it tested?
Gonorrhoea is tested through a self-taken swab or a urine sample. Please make sure you hold your urine for at least an hour before you take the test.
How is it treated?
Gonorrhoea is usually treated with an antibiotic injection into the muscle. You will have a repeat test 17 days after your treatment to ensure the infection has cleared.
Where can I test?
- In BANES you can test at our clinic, you need to call our booking line to book, or if you have female anatomy and are under 25 years old you can order a postal kit.
- In Bristol - at Yuno Sexual Health or order a postal kit.
- In the Wiltshire area - order a postal kit.
- In the Somerset area - Swish Services.
Where can I read more about Gonorrhoea?
Please see our useful links page.Mycoplasma genitalium (M.gen)
Mycoplasma genitalium (M.gen)
What is it?
M.gen is a sexually transmitted bacterial. It can be spread through anal and vaginal/frontal sex.
Symptoms
Many people carry M.gen without any symptoms. We do not need to treat M.gen for these people. If people do develop symptoms, it may include:- For people with a penis – discharge or pain when passing urine
- For people with a womb – tummy pain or vaginal bleeding after sex
- It is possible it could cause rectal symptoms
When should I test?
Testing for M.gen is based on the symptoms people are experiencing, and the testing they have had already. If you are concerned, please talk to your clinician and they will advise if it is necessary.
How is it tested?
M.gen can be tested through a self-taken swab or a urine sample. Please make sure you hold your urine for at least an hour before you take the test. Sometimes the test is taken at the time of examination, from the vagina or the tip of the penis. Most people do not need swabs from the bottom. The clinician will advise you if this is necessary.
How is it treated?
M.gen can be treated with a course of antibiotics. If your symptoms do not improve with antibiotics, you may need further tests or a second course of antibiotics if the infection has not cleared.
Where can I test?
We only test for M.gen in certain circumstances. If you are concerned about M.gen we recommend to speak with your local sexual health service:- In BANES you can test at our clinic, you need to call our booking line to book
- In Bristol – at Yuno Sexual Health
- In the Somerset area - Swish Services.
