Chlamydia Test

Choose a package that includes a chlamydia test:

Complete STD Test Panel from $189 - checks for the most common sexually transmitted infections including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes Type 2 (HSV 2), HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), Syphilis, and Trichomoniasis.

10 Test Panel from $198 - includes 4th generation HIV 1&2 Antibody/Antigen, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes 1&2, hepatitis A/B/C antibodies, and hepatitis B surface antigen tests.

Complete STD At Home Test Kit $199 - this discreet home testing kit measures Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes Type 2 (HSV 2), HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), Syphilis, and Trichomoniasis.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is the most reported sexually transmitted disease in the United States of America. It affects both genders and all ages. It can be easily spread between sexual partners having unprotected sex, when one of them is infected with the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis. An infected person has this bacterium in their urine and genital secretions.

Chlamydia can be transferred from an infected person to another by many routes: through vaginal, oral and anal sex. Men who are infected with chlamydia can still spread the illness to their partner(s), even if no ejaculation occurs, as mentioned by the CDC. Also, those who get infected, can be re-infected, even after getting treated. This would be the situation if they got cleared from the infection then had unprotected sex, again, with an infected person.

What is most disconcerting about this infection is that you might have it and not be aware of it. Many people, who have this bacterium, do not show any sign or symptom. Others show some symptoms, which brings them to see their doctor and get tested. Symptoms, in women, include an abnormal vaginal secretion that can have an offensive odor, bleeding in between periods, excessive pain during periods, experiencing pain during sex and urination, feeling itching and burning around the vagina area, and experiencing abdominal pains accompanied by fever. Infected men can show symptoms like painful urination, feeling pain and having some swelling around the testicles, experiencing abnormal cloudy discharges from the tip of the penis, and having a burning and itching sensation in the same area.

Why take the Chlamydia test?

The Chlamydia test is the most effective way to test and diagnose a chlamydia infection. It is also a great way to monitor the effectiveness of a given treatment and make sure the infection is gone, post-treatment.

This bacterial infection has to be tested if you believe that you are at high risk of being infected. Women who are younger than 25 years, who have been sexually active, are more prone to be infected with chlamydia. They are also more prone to pass on these infections to their partners. Women who are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant need to get tested for chlamydia. This latter can lead to numerous complications if left untreated. It can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain as well as tubal pregnancy in women. Tubal pregnancy happens when the egg gets fertilized; but it grows in the fallopian tube and not the uterus. Tubal pregnancy is also referred to as ectopic pregnancy. Also, it may lead to urethritis, vaginitis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All of these can cause discomfort for infected women, and complicated risks for pregnant ones.

Harvard Medical School explains that this infection is very common among young adults, under the age of 25 years, who has sexual encounters with numerous partners. Pregnant women who have an untreated chlamydia infection can put their newborn baby at high risk of having an eye infection or even pneumonia. Conjunctivitis can be very harmful on the baby, if left untreated: it could lead to a loss of eyesight. Also, pregnant women, who are infected with chlamydia, can experience heavy bleeding before they deliver their baby. They can also end up with a premature rupture of their membranes, leading to an early delivery and a low birth weight baby.

Other individuals who have to be tested for this bacterial infection are:

• Men who have sex with men: should be screened routinely, for chlamydia.
• Babies, who are born with conjunctivitis: need to be tested for chlamydia to rule out a possible infection.
• Men and women who are experiencing chlamydia symptoms, like the ones mentioned above.
• Those who have had previous chlamydia infections.
• Anyone who is HIV positive.
• Men and women who have been using condoms inconsistently, have been using illegal drugs, living in a detention facility or are exchanging sex for money or drugs.

What can cause a false positive/negative?

False positive results can be worrisome for many. Sometimes, if you get a positive chlamydia test result, it could be the result of a previous infection. Keep in mind that it takes up to five days for the chlamydia infection to show in the test. This is called the incubation period. So, getting tested directly after a potential high-risk sexual encounter can lead to a false negative test result. Your test will not show that you have chlamydia because the infection did not have enough time to take its course.

What your Chlamydia test results mean?

Having a negative test result indicates that you have no chlamydia infection, at the time of taking the test. Even if your result is negative, you have to get tested routinely, if you are at increased risk of a chlamydia infection.

Having a positive result, means that you’re infected with the chlamydia bacteria. You would have to talk to your doctor; and, discuss the best treatment for you, to eradicate this infection. The normal treatment is antibiotics. Keep in mind that if you are infected, your sexual partner, or partners, should be tested as well.

The best way to avoid any STD is to abstain from any kind of sex. This is an unrealistic preventive measure. So, if you are sexually active, you may want to follow some preventive measures to lower your chances of contracting chlamydia. First, you may want to invest, regularly, in latex condoms. You need to use a condom every single time you have sex. A condom cannot be reused. Second, being in a monogamous relationship, with someone who has been tested negative for chlamydia, can be rewarding for both partners. Third, make sure you get tested for chlamydia, regularly, especially if you had unprotected sex, or think you had sex with someone who might have this bacterium. Absolutely anyone who has unprotected sex can be at risk of contracting chlamydia.

Where can I get a Chlamydia test near me?

Please use our Lab Locator to find find a convenient testing location.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Aug 12, 2022