Information

Chlamydia: what is it?

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in Australia.

Who gets it?

Chlamydia affects both women and men. Chlamydia infection most frequently occurs in people who are under 25 years of age.

How do you get Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is most commonly transmitted during unprotected sex.

Who should get tested?

Anyone who has had unprotected sex should get tested as many people do not show any signs or symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

About 75% of women and up to 50% of men who have Chlamydia have no symptoms. If left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to serious health consequences for both men and women. In women it can lead to ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease and also infertility. In men Chlamydia can lead to infertility and can cause chronic infection of the urethra.

How do you test for Chlamydia?

Chlamydia infection can be diagnosed with a simple urine test. Or it can be tested for using swabs of the cervix in women or urethra in men. Chlamydia infection is NOT tested for by a blood test.

What is the treatment?

Chlamydia infection is easily treated - one dose of a specific antibiotic will usually treat the Chlamydia bacteria and get rid of the infection. It is also important to tell your partner or people you have had sexual contact with as they will also need to be tested and treated.

Where to get tested?

You can visit your local doctor or Bulkbilling Clinic and ask for a Chlamydia test. For more information on Chlamydia testing in your area scroll down the page to the where to get tested section. It is important to receive a follow up test 12 weeks after treatment to make sure it has worked.

Prevention is better than cure!

Condoms are extremely effective in preventing the transmission of Chlamydia from one sexual partner to another.

Keep yourself safe!

It is important to always use condoms as you can become re-infected with Chlamydia!! Free condoms are available at all Ballarat Community Health Centre sites and Women's Health Grampians. Condoms can be purchased at your local supermarket, chemist or online.

whglogo 2 Drummond Street
Ballarat 3350
5322 4100
www.whg.org.au

bchc_circle_sr

710 Sturt Street
Ballarat 3350
5338 4500
www.bchc.org.au

See you local GP, school nurse or health worker for more details or check out the web links below.

Where do I go to get tested?

Ballarat

bchc_circle_sr Sexual Health Clinic
710 Sturt Street
Ballarat 3350
Ph: 5338 4540 for appointments

http://www.bchc.org.au/services_sexual_health.php

Clinic times: please phone for an appointment
Monday 9am - 12.30pm
Tuesday 9am - 12.30pm
Wednesday 9am - 12.30pm
Thursday 9am - 11.30am and 12.30pm - 3.00pm
Friday 9am - 12.30pm

You can visit your local doctor or Bulkbilling Clinic and ask for a Chlamydia test.

Ararat

You can visit your local doctor or Bulkbilling Clinic and ask for a Chlamydia test.

Stawell

You can visit your local doctor or Bulkbilling Clinic and ask for a Chlamydia test.

Horsham
Wimmera Health Care Group

Family Planning Nurse
25 David Street
Horsham 3400
Ph: 5362 1240

Clinic times: please phone for an appointment
Tuesday or Thursday

Horsham Medical Centre
1c Madden Street
Horsham 3400
Ph: 5382 3400

Clinic times: please phone for an appointment
Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 12pm - 6pm
Appointments are bulk billed

You can visit your local doctor or Bulkbilling Clinic and ask for a Chlamydia test.

Daylesford
The Lounge (Adolescent Health Clinic)
Daylesford Community Health Centre
Daylesford 3460
Ph: 5348 2523

Clinic times: please phone as an is necessary appointment
Monday 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Free appointments for those aged 25 years or under

You can visit your local doctor or Bulkbilling Clinic and ask for a Chlamydia test.

Colac

Colac Area Health - Primary Care

Miller Street Entrance
Colac 3250
Ph: 5232 5140

Clinic times: please phone for an appointment
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Free appointments for those aged 25 years or under

You can visit your local doctor or Bulkbilling Clinic and ask for a Chlamydia test.

Melton

Melton Community Health Centre
The Backdoor Youth Health Service
35A Unitt Street
Melton 3337
Ph: 8746 1100 after 5pm 0408 224 342

Clinic times: no appointment necessary
Wednesday 4pm - 7pm
Free appointments for those aged 25 years or under

Young people can also access a Community Health Nurse in Bacchus Marsh, Melton, Melton East
Monday - Friday 9am- 5pm by arrangement
Free condoms/dams avaliable

You can visit your local doctor or Bulkbilling Clinic and ask for a Chlamydia test.