Chlamydia Testing

Affecting over 100 million people worldwide, chlamydia is one of the most commonly reported sexually transmitted diseases around the world.¹ Chlamydia testing is simple and treatment most often results in a full cure of the infection. Learn more now to get the information to get tested and treated successfully.

Chlamydia can be diagnosed by collecting a urine sample. When you get tested with STDtest.com, all you need to do is make an appointment, visit the lab for a test that takes 30 minutes or less, and receive your test results usually in 3 business days or less. This simple test is the best way to diagnose chlamydia.

Chlamydia Treatment

Of the eight most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world (chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus type 2, HIV, HPV, syphilis and trichomoniasis), chlamydia is one of the four that can be cured completely with a round of medication. By taking the doctor-recommended course of antibiotics” (most of the time we prescribe a one-time dose)  Anyone who is diagnosed should refrain from sexual contact for at least 1 week after treatment to help ensure a complete cure from the infection.⁵ The recommended regimen by the CDC⁶ includes the following:

• Azithromycin
• Doxycycline

Alternative Treatments Include:

• Erythromycin
• Levofloxacin
• Ofloxacin

The CDC also recommends a test-of-cure scheduled 6-12 weeks post-treatment to confirm that no re-infection has taken place.⁶

Chlamydia Overview

According to the CDC, chlamydia ranks among the most common STDs in the United States, with women under 25 being at the greatest risk for infection.¹ The infection is caused by chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Instances of the infection are seen nearly double the rate in women than in men, according to the 2014 STD surveillance report. It often presents without symptoms.

Chlamydia is transmitted primarily by sexual contact and can be passed from mother to child during childbirth as well.  Left untreated in women, chlamydia can worsen and become pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a condition with more severe risks including ectopic pregnancy, severe pelvic pain and infertility¹. Left untreated in men, there is a risk of epididymitis or in rare cases, infertility. Transmitting the infection during childbirth opens up a risk for for eye infections and pneumonia in newborns, the CDC reports.

The World Health Organization reports 131 million people each year contract chlamydia across the globe.² As the most common STD worldwide, most people who are sexually active are at risk for transmitting and being infected with the disease. One of the risks associated with chlamydia, is that it can present without symptoms and is easily transmitted to another person without either partner’s knowledge. Women under the age of 25 with new or multiple sexual partners should get tested for chlamydia every year. Other populations at risk and should get tested include pregnant women, men who have sex with men (MSM) and bisexual men.³

Chlamydia Symptoms

Many people do not experience any symptoms of chlamydia. When they do, common symptoms include:

Symptoms in Women:

• Vaginal discharge
• Frequency in urination
• Burning sensation during urination
• Cloudy Urine
• Irregular menstrual bleeding

Symptoms in Men:

• Cloudy Urine
• Burning sensation during urination
• Testicular pain, tenderness or swelling⁴

Call a physician as soon as possible if you are noticing any rectal pain, discharge or bleeding. Also, bleeding in between periods, an odorous discharge from the penis or vagina, or an unusual sore are all symptoms, should they occur, should be discussed as soon as possible with a physician.⁴

Dial 911 or visit urgent care if you experience the onset of acute, intermittent or persistent pelvic pain. This could be an indicator of a serious infection.³

Sources
1 CDC Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report 2014
2 WHO Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Fact Sheet, Updated 12/2015
3 Chlamydia – CDC Fact Sheet (Basic Fact Sheet)
4 Chlamydia – CDC Fact Sheet (Detailed Fact Sheet)
5 CDC – Chlamydia Treatment and Care
6 2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines for Chlamydial Infections