Chlamydiais asexually transmitted infection (STI)that is triggered by bacteria and often has no symptoms.
Despite this, chlamydia can cause complications that can ultimately lead toinfertilityand other health concerns.
Sexually transmitted infections are sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs.
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This article explains how you’re free to find out if you have chlamydia.
What Tests Can Detect Chlamydia?
These tests can be performed if you have symptoms or as aroutine screeningif you are sexually active.
Healthcare providers and clinics may differ in which tests they prefer to use.
The most common tests arenucleic acid amplificationtests (NAATs).
These detect the bacteria by looking for traces of their genetic material.
Keep in mind that aPap test, a routine procedure that screens forcervical cancer, does not detect chlamydia.
Because many individuals don’t show any symptoms, ordering anat-home STI testmay be a good first step.
Keep in mind that these tests are not FDA approved.
Others also partner with labs certified by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
This is due to the different locations the bacteria can infect.
How Do They Test for Chlamydia in Individuals With a Vagina?
If you aren’t comfortable getting an endocervical or vaginal swab, you could request a urine test.
Keep in mind that urine samples tend not to detect chlamydia as accurately as vaginal and endocervical swabs.
How Do They Test for Chlamydia in Individuals With a Penis?
This sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Not all practitioners perform urine tests for chlamydia.
Tests often come back within just a few hours, allowing for rapid treatment of infections.
What About Rectal and Oral Swabs?
Rectal swabs and oral swabs may also be considered for those who havereceptive anal sexorunprotected oral sex.
These tests are known as extragenital, or outside of the genital region, testing.
These tests are important to do if chlamydia is suspected but your urine test came back negative.
How Often Should You Get Tested?
Even with screening guidelines in place, many cases go untested and undetected.
As with any form oflab tests, there is the potential for errors.
Even though the sensitivity of chlamydia tests used today is good, they may still miss infections.
When Should I Test Again for Chlamydia?
Getting retestedabout three months aftertreatment for chlamydiais recommended for both assigned males and assigned females.
This should be done even if your partner was also treated.
Pregnant individuals should be retested three weeks after treatment is completed.
Pregnant individuals at high risk should also get tested again in the third trimester.
Differential Diagnosis
Vaginal discharge has many causes other than chlamydia.
Some may include infections likebacterialvaginosis(BV)oryeast infections, as well as hormonal changes.
For all individuals, pain and burning with urination can have many possible causes, includingbladder infectionsand other STIs.
In addition, it’s possible for someone to have chlamydiaandanother infection at the same time, or aco-infection.
Testing can help sort out if that’s the case.
Persons who receive a diagnosis of chlamydia should be tested for HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Summary
Chlamydia is a common STI that often has no symptoms.
Urine or swab tests are typically used to detect the presence of the bacteria that cause this STI.
It’s always best to follow up with your healthcare provider if you believe you may have chlamydia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chlamydia may not cause symptoms.
However, some individuals may experience discharge from the penis or vagina, as well as burning during urination.
Urine tests may be used for both assigned females and assigned males to diagnose chlamydia.
The length of time it takes for results to come back depends on the bang out of test used.
Urine samples may take two to five days.
Swab tests may take two to three days.
Screening guidelines are different depending on your age, sex, and sexual history.
It’s best to speak with your healthcare provider about how often you should get tested.
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