How Chlamydia Is Diagnosed?
As chlamydia can be silent and don’t show any symptoms in most cases, testing is the only way to find out if you have chlamydia. It does not matter if you are symptomatic or not. It is usually painless and easy to perform the recommended tests for chlamydia. A sample of cells is sent to a laboratory for analysis. A doctor or nurse does not need to examine you first, and you can usually collect the sample yourself. (9)
The sample can be collected in two ways:
- Using a swab – The area that might be infected, such as inside the vagina or inside the anus, is gently wiped with a small cotton bud. The bud will later go to the laboratory to detect chlamydia.
- Urinating into a container – Ideally, you should do this at least an hour after you last urinated. Most laboratories suggest mid-stream urine to prevent contamination of the sample.
A urine sample will usually be required of a man, while a urine sample will usually be required of a woman. Normally, the results are available within seven to ten days. If you have a high risk of having chlamydia – for example, if your partner has been diagnosed with it or if you have symptoms of the infection – you might start treatment (broad spectrum antibiotics) before you get your results.
When should I get tested?
If you think you have had sex with an infected person or experiencing symptoms of chlamydia, get tested immediately. Chlamydia can cause serious complications if not diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Chlamydia tests can be obtained at any time. Nevertheless, if it has been less than 2 weeks since you had sex, you might be advised to repeat the test because the infection might not always be detected in its early stages.
Tests for chlamydia should be considered if:
- Chlamydia symptoms are present in you or your partner
- A new partner has had unprotected sex with you
- The condom splits during sex
- Your partner or you have engaged in unprotected sex with another person
- You think you might have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- When your sexual partner tells you they have an STI
- You’re expecting or planning a pregnancy
- As part of the NCSP, you will be offered a chlamydia test
You should take a chlamydia test once a year and when you have sex with new or casual partners if you are under 25 and sexually active. It’s recommended that sexually active males under 25 who are not using condoms with new or casual partners have a chlamydia test once a year.
After being treated for chlamydia, you may be offered another test 3 to 6 months later. Chlamydia-positive young adults are at higher risk of catching it again.