Chlamydia Test

This test checks for the presence of chlamydia, a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection. With over 2.86 million annual cases, it is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease. This is in part due to the fact that chlamydia often does not show symptoms until serious complications occur, which aids in it spreading.

A blood sample is normally the most effective way to test for STDs, but in the case bacterial ones like chlamydia, a urine sample is just as valid. This test uses a urine sample to check for chlamydia. 

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Chlamydia often does not display symptoms, which is why many people who do have it are unaware, and in part why chlamydia is so common. If you do have symptoms, they more than likely will appear several weeks after having sex with an infected individual. It can take months for some to notice symptoms, if any appear. Men and women are differently affected by chlamydia.

Symptoms for men include:

• Unusual discharge from the penis
• Pain/burning sensation when urinating
• Pain and/or swelling of testicles
• Pain, discharge, or bleeding in the anus.

Symptoms for women include:

• Unusual discharge from the vagina
• Pain/burning sensation when urinating
• Pain and/or bleeding during or after sex
• Bleeding between periods and/or heavier periods
• Pain, discharge, or bleeding in the anus

Who is prone to acquiring chlamydia?

Chlamydia can be shared very easily from person to person. It’s a very common STD especially to those between the ages of 14-24. Anyone who has unprotected sex with someone who has chlamydia, regardless if it is through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, is at risk of infection.

Pregnant women can pass chlamydia on to their unborn child during delivery. This can cause infections or pneumonia in newborns, or even increase the chance of premature birth.

Are there serious risks to an untreated chlamydia infection?

If treated promptly, there is typically little risk to a chlamydia infection. However, serious health problems start to arise the longer it goes on untreated. Men seldom have serious health problems link to chlamydia, but in rare cases, it can prevent men from being able to have children. Infection of both the tubes that carry sperm to the testicles and of the prostate gland can occur, as well as inflammation of the urethra.

In women, there are typically greater consequences to leaving chlamydia untreated. Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if it spreads to your uterus and fallopian tubes. PID, like chlamydia, rarely shows symptoms at first. Pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to long-term pelvic pain, infertility, and complications when giving birth.

Regardless of your gender, a chlamydia infection makes you more susceptible to other STDs, including HIV. This trait is common among all STDs.

How is chlamydia treated?

If your chlamydia test comes back positive, your doctor can prescribe you antibiotics which can easily cure a chlamydia infection. Those who are being treated for chlamydia should abstain from sex for at least a week to allow the antibiotics to properly eliminate the infection and reduce the chance of spreading chlamydia.