Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that is highly infectious. Because it is so easily contracted through vaginal, oral, anal, or blood sexual contact, it is critical to be tested if you think you may have been exposed. An accurate test is the best way to prevent getting infected in the first place, and there are several ways you can test for chlamydia. Below, we’ll go over some of your options.
Newer tests, known as NAATs (or short for nucleic acid amplification products), are fast and accurate. Your health care provider may tell you what specific testing options are available (screening kit, urinalysis, or blood test). A blood test only requires you to donate plasma or blood, which is left in a bank waiting for analysis. Urinalysis can be done at home, but it doesn’t provide as accurate results as the other two. Lastly, an at home test called the Chlamydia Testing Remedy is recommended for pregnant women, and is actually pretty high-quality for detecting chlamydia. It is typically offered at health departments or sexual treatment centers for a fee. See a list at std-test-kit.
There are several other options for Chlamydia testing besides the aforementioned urine tests and test kits. The most commonly performed method is to look for visible symptoms. These symptoms include sores or burning in the urethra or around the scrotum. These lesions are often red and often itch. A physician can order more tests to detect conclusive evidence of infection. For some men, chlamydia can be detected by collecting sperm from a woman’s uterus and testing it.
If you think you have been exposed to a high risk partner, you should take action. Early detection and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia make the chances of infecting your partner or partners a lot less likely. Chlamydia is also known to have an increased prevalence in women of certain ages, and certain groups of people. If you think you have been sexually active and would like to find out if you have been diagnosed with Chlamydia, speak with a medical professional immediately. If you are in a relationship with someone who has been diagnosed with Chlamydia, it is important that you do not have sex until you have been tested for this disease.
Getting tested for Chlamydia is a very important step in the prevention of this disease. The cost of treating Chlamydia can be astronomical, and is much more than the cost of treating an STD. If you suspect you have been exposed to a partner or know that you have been exposed, and you don’t currently have treatment, you need to get tested as soon as possible. Untreated Chlamydia can cause serious health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and even cancer. Getting treated early can help you to save yourself from some of life’s worst nightmares.
If you have been exposed, speak with your doctor about testing for Chlamydia. Get tested today! Remember: once you get tested, you can be treated. Chlamydia doesn’t choose any gender, so regardless of your sexual partners or activity, you too can be tested for Chlamydia and treated for a completely clean, clear self.
