Chlamydia testing is a necessary measure for anyone who has unprotected sex with other people. Although it is not a life threatening illness, it can cause permanent damage to your body. Many partners of an infected person will display no outward symptoms, but in reality they may be suffering from Chlamydia. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as infertility. Therefore, it is imperative that you test for Chlamydia if you have had multiple partners or are currently being tested for the disease.
A positive home chlamydia test result indicates that there is a high level of infection in the genital area. An accurate exam and test results indicate that the infection was transmitted through sexual contact, so it is important that you have a thorough check up with your health practitioner before going to the doctor’s office. The most common way to perform a chlamydia test is with a simple swab test that is performed on a small amount of mucous. This method of testing for Chlamydia does not give an accurate or true-positive result; however, it is the least expensive method. Your health care provider will use a special lancet to collect a vaginal fluid sample and send it to the lab for testing.
Depending on the state where you live, your healthcare provider may send the sample to a state approved laboratory for analysis. In many cases, the specimen will be processed and sent to the lab for analysis within one day. Once the results of the test are back, you will receive a written report that states whether your Chlamydia test positive. If you do test positive, you should immediately notify your healthcare provider.
Once you have completed your Chlamydia test and you know you are infection free, it is important that you begin a treatment plan. If you are currently being treated for another sexually transmitted disease, you will need to inform your doctor about your infection as soon as possible. Your doctor will advise you on the best way to avoid an infection reoccurring. Your doctor will also discuss the symptoms you may experience with any new medications you are now taking.
A positive Chlamydia test result doesn’t mean that someone else in your immediate circle of friends has the infection. The presence of the bacteria in your urine sample does not mean you have contracted the infection. Chlamydia is most commonly spread through sexual activity. If you think you have a sexually transmitted disease, be sure to tell your partner before engaging in sexual activity.
Although many people believe that Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it is not. Although gonorrhea and Chlamydia have some similar symptoms, they are not the same. Because gonorrhea can cause symptoms like bleeding during urination spotting, bleeding after sex, or painful urination, Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics while gonorrhea is treated with prophylaxis or other methods. However, Chlamydia is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) just like gonorrhea. Because it can be transmitted to women through sexual intercourse, it is important for women to receive a chlamydia test every few months starting in their 20s.
