Who Should Undergo A Screening
The short answer is, anyone who is sexually active should have regular STD screenings regardless of if they think they have been exposed or show symptoms.
There are some groups in particular who have a higher risk of contracting an STD and should get tested regularlythey include:
- Sexually active woman under age 25
- Women older than 25 and at risk of STIs
- Gay or bisexual men
- People with HIV
The groups above are not the only people who should get tested. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide a list of screening recommendations for each of the most common STDS.
Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About A Chlamydia Test
Chlamydia testing enables diagnosis and treatment of the infection before it can cause serious health problems. If you are at risk for chlamydia due to your age and/or lifestyle, talk to your health care provider about getting tested.
- Being in a long-term relationship with one partner who has tested negative for STDs
- Using condoms correctly every time you have sex
Why Do I Need A Chlamydia Test
Chlamydia is a very common STD, especially in sexually active people ages 15 to 24. But chlamydia usually doesn’t cause symptoms, so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health organizations recommend regular screening tests if your risk of getting chlamydia is high.
If you are a woman or a transgender or gender diverse person with a cervix , you should:
- Get tested for chlamydia at least once a year if you are:
- Younger than 25 and having sex
- Age 25 or older and have a higher risk of getting chlamydia because you:
- Have a new sex partner or more than one partner
- Have a sex partner who is having sex with others
- Have a sex partner with an STD
- Don’t use condoms correctly every time
Regular chlamydia testing at least once a year is also recommended if you:
- Are a man who has sex with men or a transgender diverse person with a penis who has sex with men. Test every 3 to 6 months if you or your partner have sex with more than one person, or if you have other sexual behaviors that may increase your risk for getting chlamydia.
The best testing schedule for you may be different than the recommendations. Ask your provider how often you should get tested.
Your provider will order a test if your sex partner has been diagnosed with chlamydia or if you have symptoms. Symptoms of chlamydia may include:
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What Other Stis Should I Get Tested For
Better2Knows instant Chlamydia test can be combined with instants tests for a variety of other STIs including: HIV, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Herpes 1 and 2. This will provide a more comprehensive picture of your sexual health. If you are unsure which instant STI testing option to select, Better2Knows Patient Services team are highly trained to help you select the instant test or screen you need.
What Tests Are Available For Chlamydia
The most common method of testing for chlamydia involves collecting a urine sample in combination with collecting swabs of the affected area. The most thorough method of screening involves urine collection along with throat swabs, rectal swabs, and genital swabs. Genital swabs will collect a sample from the urethral opening of the penis or from the cervical opening in the vagina.
For people with a penis performing a urine sample, collecting the âfirst-catchâ of urine increases the chances of detection. To do this effectively, do not clean your penis immediately prior to providing the urine sample and do not urinate within the two hours before. When providing the urine sample, try to ensure that when you first begin urinating, the initial stream enters the collection cup directly. Only the first 30 mL of urine is needed.
Urine analysis alone can sometimes miss infections if swabbing is not also done. Throat and rectal infections can be missed, especially when asymptomatic.
Testing for STIs is free and covered by healthcare in Canada, even for uninsured individuals.
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How Long Does It Take For Chlamydia Test Results To Come Back
Results will normally come back in less than two weeks. Where testing is undertaken at a GUM clinic, the patient will usually be notified by their preferred means, be it text message or a phone call, if they need to return for treatment.
If a patient has not heard their result by a certain time, they can usually call a number provided by the clinic to confirm a negative result.
How Long Does It Take To Get An Std Test Result
For anyone who is sexually active, sexually transmitted diseases are an important thing to think about.
Getting regular STD tests is an important way to protect yourself and any sexual partners you have.
Luckily for most people, getting tested is relatively quick and painless and can be done separately or alongside a regular check up.
There are several types of tests performed to diagnose STDs including swab samples, physical exams, and urine and blood tests.
Depending on the test, it can take hours, days, or weeks to get results.
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What Does A Positive Chlamydia Test Result Mean
If the test is positive, the lab detected the bacteria that cause chlamydia. This means you have a chlamydia infection and will need treatment . You will also need to notify your sexual partners, so they can get tested, too.
After finishing treatment, you will need additional follow-up chlamydia tests. You may need another test three weeks after treatment and possibly another test three months later. Ask your provider when you should get a follow-up test.
What Should I Expect During A Chlamydia Test
Your provider gives you a clean cup and asks you to urinate in it. Follow your providers instructions carefully when collecting a urine sample. Youll need to collect the urine as soon as it starts to come out .
If youre using an at-home chlamydia test, you will collect the sample yourself. Be sure to follow the instructions on the test kit carefully.
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How Can You Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections
Here are some ways to help prevent STIs.
- Limit your sex partners. Sex with one partner who has sex only with you can reduce your risk of getting an STI.
- Talk with your partner or partners about STIs before you have sex. Find out if they are at risk for an STI. Remember that it’s possible to have an STI and not know it.
- Wait to have sex with new partners until you’ve each been tested.
- Don’t have sex if you have symptoms of an infection or if you are being treated for an STI.
- Use a condom every time you have sex. Condoms are the only form of birth control that also helps prevent STIs.
- Don’t share sex toys. But if you do share them, use a condom and clean the sex toys between each use.
Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV. Ask your doctor for more information.
Chlamydia Signs In Men
Many men do not discover the signs of chlamydia. A lot of males have no signs in any way.
If signs and symptoms do appear, its usually 1 to 3 weeks after transmission.
Some of the most typical symptoms of chlamydia in men consist of:
- melting feeling throughout peeing
- yellow or green discharge from the penis
- discomfort in the lower abdomen
- discomfort in the testicles
Its also feasible to obtain a chlamydia infection in the rectum. In this situation, the major signs and symptoms are frequently discharge, pain, and also hemorrhaging from this area.
Having foreplay with somebody who has the infection raises the danger of obtaining chlamydia in the throat. Signs can include a sore throat, coughing, or high temperature. Its likewise feasible to bring germs in the throat and also not know it. How Long Do Chlamydia Test Results Take
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How To Read Chlamydia Test Results
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections . Reading test results at home is easy. You just need to take care of few things while reading your result.
Requirement of Chlamydia test:-
Home Chlamydia test use person urine or a sample of body fluid to check whether Chlamydia bacteria are present and causing infection. The best part of this test is that person does not need to undress or swab. Before giving test person is not required to fast.
What Does The Chlamydia Test Involve
The recommended tests for chlamydia are simple, painless and generally very reliable.
They involve sending a sample of cells to a laboratory for analysis. You don’t necessarily have to be examined by a doctor or nurse first and can often collect the sample yourself.
There are two main ways the sample can be collected:
- urinating into a container this should ideally be done at least 1 hour after you last urinated
Men will usually be asked to provide a urine sample, while women will usually be asked to either swab inside their vagina or provide a urine sample.
The results will normally be available in 7 to 10 days. If there’s a high chance you have chlamydia for example, you have symptoms of the infection or your partner has been diagnosed with it and you’ve had unprotected sex with them you might start treatment before you get your results.
Read more about treating chlamydia.
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Book Your Instant Chlamydia Test
Your instant Chlamydia test can also be arranged via Better2Knows online booking system. Simply select the orange button at the top of the screen. If you have any additional questions regarding STIs or Better2Knows private sexual health testing services, you can contact our sexual health advisors using the number listed above.
When Should I Call My Doctor About A Chlamydia Test
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A chlamydia test is essential to limiting the spread of this sexually transmitted infection. Its especially important to get screened for chlamydia regularly if youre at a higher risk of this STI. Untreated, the infection can cause health problems and you can spread it to your partner. While youre waiting for results and during treatment, avoid having sex. Wait until your provider says its safe to have sex again. Be sure to use a condom and practice safe sex to avoid getting an STI.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/28/2022.
References
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What Do I Need To Know Before I Arrive What Could Impact On My Test Results
You will be asked to provide your name and date of birth as they appear on your birth certificate or passport and your full contact details
Men, please do not pass urine for 2 hours prior to your appointment if you wish to be screened for sexually transmitted infections as this may affect our ability to detect an infection.
If you don’t have any symptoms and you want a Sexual Health Check we suggest an appointment two weeks after your last unprotected sex. This is because infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea may take up to 2 weeks to show up on tests . If you are not sure when is the best time to get checked or If you do develop symptoms please phone us on free phone 0800 739 432 and speak with a nurse who will advise you.
Chlamydia Signs In Male
Several males do not discover the symptoms of chlamydia. Many guys have no signs and symptoms in all.
If symptoms do appear, its generally 1 to 3 weeks after transmission.
Some of one of the most typical signs of chlamydia in men consist of:
- shedding experience throughout peeing
- yellow or green discharge from the penis
- discomfort in the lower abdomen
- pain in the testicles
Its additionally possible to obtain a chlamydia infection in the rectum. In this instance, the major symptoms are commonly discharge, pain, and also bleeding from this location.
Having foreplay with someone that has the infection elevates the threat of obtaining chlamydia in the throat. Symptoms can include an aching throat, cough, or high temperature. Its also feasible to lug bacteria in the throat as well as not know it. How Long Do Chlamydia Results Take
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Urine Testing For Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Several sexually transmitted diseases can be detected using urine testing, which is becoming more and more available. Urine chlamydia tests and gonorrhea tests are a lot more pleasant than having to have your cervix or urethra swabbed and are quickly becoming standard practice.
It may be more difficult to find urine testing for other STDs, such as trichomoniasis or human papillomavirus , however.
Can Certain Stds Lie Dormant And Not Be Detected
In some cases, an STD may be asymptomatic because its latent, or lying dormant in your body. Latent STDs can cause someone to remain undiagnosed until symptoms begin to appear. This may put them at risk for long-term complications.
Chlamydia, hepatitis C, HIV, HSV , and syphilis can all have periods of latency.
The best way to ensure that dormant STDs receive the proper diagnosis and treatment is regular STD screening. The CDC recommends that all sexually active adults with new or multiple sexual partners receive at least yearly testing for most STDs, especially chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Its also recommended that people who have sex without a condom or other barrier method receive STD testing more frequently.
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How Long Does Chlamydia Last In Men
When it comes to men, there is no significant difference in the incubation period. The factors that determine the incubation period are the same as for women. Also, a man will also experience symptoms, if any, after 7 to 21 days of being exposed to chlamydia.
The only difference between sexes when it comes to chlamydia are the very symptoms and how it manifests.
If You Suspect That You May Have Contracted Chlamydia Come To Express Healthcare For Testing Our Professional Staff Are Here To Offer You Comfort And Discreet Care Call Our Clinic Or Book An Appointment Online Today We Serve Patients From Berwyn Heights Md College Park Md Lanham Hyattsville Md Lakeland Md Hollywood Md Old Town Md Acredale Md And Riverdale Gardens Md
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact and can affect both men and women. In women, if left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs, making it difficult or even impossible to conceive a child. Chlamydia can also cause serious complications with pregnancy, such as a pregnancy that occurs outside the womb.
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When Can I Get Tested
At Better2Know, we can arrange your STI test or screen around your busy schedule. Instant Chlamydia testing with Better2Know is available at just 14 days of incubation. This is the time between potential exposure to Chlamydia and your STI test. This recommended period of incubation ensures the highest levels of accuracy for your instant Chlamydia test.
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All Stis Are Different
Now that youve learned the incubation period for chlamydia and its window period, you might be wondering about other common STIs. Well, when it comes to sexually transmitted infections, each STI is different. As such, the timing also differs when it comes to incubation periods, window periods, testing, and re-testing.
When it comes to your sexual health, you can never be too careful. Every sexually active person should be vigilant about tracking down and eradicating these potentially dangerous STIs. After all, testing is the only way for someone to know their status for sure.
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How Is The Test Used
Chlamydia testing is used to screen for and diagnose sexually transmitted infections caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.
Testing for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae is often done at the same time since the infections caused by these two bacteria can have similar signs and symptoms. These bacteria may be acquired at the same time, and you may have infections with both. A definitive diagnosis is important since the two infections require different antibiotic treatment.
Repeat testing is recommended to ensure that treatment has been effective. This is done about three months after you have completed treatment.
During And After The Test
When you have a urine STD test, it is usually during a regular appointment. You will be asked to pee into a sample collection cup or tube. That tube or cup will be given to one of the medical staff.
Your urine sample will then be sent out to a lab or tested at the clinic. You can leave as soon as you are done giving the sample or when your appointment is finished.
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How Is It Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and your sexual history. You may also have a physical exam to look for signs of infection.
Several types of tests can diagnose chlamydia. Most tests use a sample of urine or a swab from the cervix, vagina, or rectum.
Chlamydia can cause serious problems but may not cause symptoms. That’s why it’s a good idea to get tested once a year if you are at higher risk for getting chlamydia. Talk to your doctor about what testing is right for you.