Chlamydia, how likely is it I've passed it on?

[Thatgir]

So I've recently found out I've contracted chlamydia. I'm so angry and annoyed with myself. I've had a few sexual partners since my last test which come back clear. Some were one off times, one was 3 times and the other was more frequently. I feel awful for potentially passing it on and I guess what I want to know is the chance of passing it on? I know its like pregnancy in respect of 'it might not always catch on every time' and I've read that there's a 30% chance it will be passed on. Can anyone else shed some light on this? Also, I don't know how sexually active the other people are and I don't know how to handle telling people.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[markh57]

The only responsible thing to do is to contact anyone you've had sex with since your last clean test. There's no need for anything long winded or anxiety guilt ridden. Just text each of them: "Bad news I just tested positive for Chlamydia. You might want to get yourself checked"

[Thatgir in reply to markh57]

Yeah of course its just awkward isn't it. I'm obviously going to do it just worried about the repercussions is all.

[markh57 in reply to Thatgir]

Agreed. I've been in exactly the same position so I can relate. I showed up positive on routine screening. I never had any symptoms.

I had seven contacts and texted all of them within a couple of hours of getting the result. It resulted in some uncomfortable conversations, but there was some respect because I had got myself checked and fronted up about the result.

[Galen70]

If you are in the 18-24 age group theres a 10% chance of acquiring chlamydia through unprotected sex - so its easy to acquire it. I'm not sure anyone has ever studied the percentage chance of getting it through one episode of unprotected sex - but its not 100%. Having said that , any traceable contacts should be informed so that they can get screened / treated. If you are worried about messaging them directly, a local sexual health service could do it for you anonymously - what we call a "provider referral " The important aspect is that you obviously go for screening, its been detected so it can be treated and hopefully prevent any complications from happening.

[Marian85]

Hi!

A quote from NHS website:

"If possible, tell your sexual partner and any ex-partners so they can get tested and treated as well.

If you don't want to do this, the clinic can usually do it for you – it's called partner notification and the clinic won't reveal who you are."

Full info here: nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-hea...

Good luck!