Chlamydia can be successfully prevented by:

• using condoms (male or female) every time you have vaginal or anal sex,
• using a condom to cover the penis or latex or plastic square (dam) to cover the female genitals if you have oral sex, and
• not sharing sex toys.  If you do share them wash them or cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them.

These measures can also protect you from other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as genital herpes and gonorrhoea.

If you are worried you may be at risk of having an STI or have any of the symptoms mentioned in the symptoms section, you should visit your local sexual health or GUM clinic to have them checked out. Find your local sexual health service here.

For information on all sexual health services, the fpa run a helpline called sexual health direct, on 0845 122 8690.