How Long Does It Take For Chlamydia To Show
Chlamydia can be present and dormant in the body for several years. However, it takes 1-3 weeks to show up in the vulva. There are different ways to test for Chlamydia. The waiting period for the results depends on the mode of the Chlamydia test.
Urine test
Your doctor would require you to pee in a cup that will be tested in a laboratory to see if Chlamydia bacteria are in your urine. This test takes about 2-5 days to show a positive if you are infected with the disease.
Blood test
Your doctor will take out some of your blood to be sent into the lab for testing to see if antibodies to Chlamydia are in your bloodstream. Blood test results can come back in a few minutes when the blood is analyzed.
Swab test
Your doctor will use a stick or cotton round to acquire a small sample of suspected fluid that has the infection. This sample is then cultured to see what bacteria grow from it. It can take up to 2-3 days to show results.
Doctors can use a stick or cotton round for a swab
Where To Get Tested For Stds Near Me:
Back in the day, you were at the mercy of the local clinic if you wanted to be properly screened for sexually transmitted infections or diseases. It was either that or setting a doctors appointment. Both of these traditional in-person testing methods are still the first place many people turn. But for many of us, theyre not exactly the best possible solution. Just because its the old way to do it doesnt mean its the best way to do it! In fact, these testing solutions come with a fair amount of caveats and hang-ups. And it leaves room for plenty of excuses to get in the way of people following through with their test.
Why Can’t I Repeat The Chlamydia Test After I’ve Taken My Treatment To Check It Worked
You can, but it takes up to 6 weeks for the test to go back to negative after an infection. If you re-test too early a positive result can be a sign of continuing or re-infection, but it’s most likely to be positive from the initial infection, so it’s not at all helpful.
If you are under 25 years of age, it is recommended to have a repeat test 3 months after treatment as a significant number of young people get repeat infections which are linked to an increased risk of complications.
Read Also: Antibiotics To Treat Chlamydia And Gonorrhea
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider
When it comes to chlamydia, its a good idea to be proactive. Speak with your healthcare provider about your risks of infection. Make a plan to get screened regularly for STIs based on your providers recommendations for how often you should be tested. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if your partner tests positive for chlamydia or if you notice any signs or symptoms that you may be infected.
How Is Chlamydia Prevented
You already know chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection. Therefore, the safest and easiest way to prevent chlamydia is sexual abstinence. Other ways chlamydia can be prevented in men and women are
- Use condoms for intercourse
- Get your male or female sexual partners tested for the infection
- Recheck for chlamydia infection after 5 weeks of treatment
- Avoid intercourse while on chlamydia treatment
- Use adult toys with condoms
Now its your turn. Do you have any chlamydia symptoms? Let us know if we can help.
Read Also: How Can You Get Chlamydia And Gonorrhea
Read Also: At Home Oral Chlamydia Test
How Long Does Chlamydia Last In Women
When it comes to women, symptoms may take up to a few months to develop. Sometimes, there will be a sign of the infection after one to three weeks after exposure. However, women are more likely to have chlamydia but have no symptoms at all asymptomatic chlamydia. According to research, up to 90% of women have asymptomatic chlamydia when compared to 70% of men.
Whats more, the incubation period of chlamydia depends on several factors which also determine the period of time for the symptoms to show up, including:
- The number of bacteria you were exposed to
- The part of the body where chlamydia entered
- How quickly the bacteria reproduce
- How strong your immune system is.
How Is Pid Diagnosed And Treated
Doctors typically diagnose PID through a pelvic exam. You may also be tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia and other STIs, as they often cause PID. Samples of your blood, urine and vaginal fluid may also be taken.
There are some cases where doctors will need to perform other procedures or tests. These might include an endometrial biopsy, ultrasound or a laparoscopy.
With a laparoscopy, the doctor will insert a tiny camera through a small incision in your belly button. The camera will allow the doctor to look at your reproductive organs.
PID can be treated, and if its caught early on, you may be able to avoid some of the damaging complications of this disease.
Pelvic inflammatory disease is typically treated with broad spectrum antibiotics. There are several types of antibiotics that can treat this STI.
Unfortunately, treatment cannot reverse any damage that has been done by the infection. If there is scarring in the fallopian tubes or any other damage to the reproductive organs, the effects will last a lifetime.
Its not uncommon for symptoms to disappear before the round of antibiotics is complete, but its important to take all of the prescribed medicine to ensure that the infection is cured.
Both partners should be treated to minimize the risk of re-infection, even if the partner has no symptoms.
Read Also: What Type Of Antibiotic Is Used For Chlamydia
Recommended Reading: Can A Yeast Infection Turn Into Chlamydia
How Do I Test For Chlamydia
You can get tested for chlamydia even if you dont have any symptoms.
Getting tested for chlamydia is easy and doesnt hurt. A healthcare professional will ask for a urine sample and/or take a swab from the area that might be infected. This is usually the lower part of the womb or the vagina for women, and the tip of the penis for men. If youve had anal or oral sex, you may have a swab taken from your anus or throat.
In some countries you can get a self-testing kit to do at home.
If you test positive for chlamydia, its important to tell any recent sexual partner/s so they can also get tested, and treated if necessary. If you need advice about how to do this, speak to your healthcare professional. You should also test for other STIs.
How Long Does It Take For Chlamydia To Go Away
How long does it take for Chlamydia to clear up? Can you have Chlamydia for years and not know it? These are questions that give headache to a lot of women at some point in their lives.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection with the Chlamydia infectious agent, which is transmitted through sexual contact. It`s among the most common STDs in the world. Chlamydia infects the urethra in men and the cervix, urethra and superior reproductive organs in women. Chlamydia can also infect the rectum, eye surface and eyelids.
An infected mother can transmit the infection to her baby during childbirth. Between 50% and 70% of infants are born from infected mothers. They acquire the infection in the eyes, rectum, vagina and the back of the throat. Between 30% and 40% of these infected neonates develop complications, like conjunctivitis or pneumonia.
Chlamydia increases the risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection, in case of exposure.
You May Like: How Soon Will Chlamydia Show Up On A Test
What Are Symptoms Of An Sti
Different STIs can cause different symptoms. Sometimes STIs dont cause any symptoms at all.
Gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause:
-
Burning when urinating
-
Muscle aches
-
Sore throat
Many times, people with an STI dont have any symptoms, so they dont realize they need treatment. This is how people can unknowingly pass an STI to someone else.
How Soon Can I Have Sex Again
Dont have oral, vaginal or anal sex, or use sex toys, until you and your partner have both finished the treatment and any symptoms have gone. This is to help prevent you being re-infected or passing the infection on to someone else.
If youre given antibiotic treatment called azithromycin, youll still need to avoid sex for seven days after starting the treatment as thats how long it takes to work.
Recommended Reading: What Are The Early Signs Of Chlamydia
Who Should Be Tested For Chlamydia
You should go to your health provider for a test if you have symptoms of chlamydia, or if you have a partner who has a sexually transmitted disease. Pregnant women should get a test when they go to their first prenatal visit.
People at higher risk should get checked for chlamydia every year:
- Sexually active women 25 and younger
- Older women who have new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted disease
- Men who have sex with men
Do I Need To Have A Test To Check That The Chlamydia Has Gone
If you take the treatment according to the instructions, you wont usually need a test to check the chlamydia has gone.
If youre aged under 25, you should be offered a repeat test 3 months after finishing the treatment. This is because youre at a higher risk of getting chlamydia again.
Whatever your age, you may need a repeat test or more treatment if:
- you think youve come into contact with chlamydia again
- you had sex without a condom with a partner before the treatment for both of you was finished
- you didnt complete the treatment or didnt take it according to the instructions
- the signs and symptoms dont go away
- your test was negative but you develop signs or symptoms of chlamydia
- youre pregnant.
A repeat test can be done 56 weeks after the first test.
If the chlamydia was in your rectum , you may need another test around 3 weeks after finishing the treatment. Your doctor, nurse or clinic will let you know if you need another test.
You can go back to the doctor, nurse or clinic if you have any questions or need advice on how to protect yourself from infection in the future.
You May Like: How Long For Chlamydia Symptoms To Go Away
How Often Should I Get Checked For Chlamydia
Sexual health check-ups are recommended for anyone who is sexually active. Frequency of testing also depends on your STI risk:
- An annual sexual health check-up is highly recommended if you are sexually active especially if you are under 25.
- Get checked more often during the year if you frequently change sexual partners.
- Remember, you are at greater risk if you have sex without a condom with 1 or multiple sexual partners.
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Getting Chlamydia
The only way to completely avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you are sexually active, the following things can lower your chances of getting chlamydia:
- Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have chlamydia and
- Using condoms the right way every time you have sex.
Recommended Reading: How Would You Know If You Have Chlamydia
What If I’m Pregnant
During delivery, the infection can spread to the newborn from the birth canal. It can cause eye infection or pneumonia. There may also be an association with preterm labour and low birth weight. Screening and treatment of chlamydia during pregnancy can prevent these complications. This is not part of the routine NHS antenatal screening. Doxycycline cannot be taken during pregnancy, but azithromycin is safe and effective.
When Will The Signs And Symptoms Go Away
You should notice an improvement quite quickly after having treatment.
- Discharge or pain when you urinate should improve within a week.
- Bleeding between periods or heavier periods should improve by your next period.
- Pelvic pain and pain in the testicles should start to improve quickly but may take up to two weeks to go away.
If you have pelvic pain or painful sex that doesnt improve, see your doctor or nurse as it may be necessary to have some further treatment or investigate other possible causes of the pain.
Dont Miss: Can Chlamydia Be Seen In A Blood Test
You May Like: How Much Is Chlamydia Testing At Planned Parenthood
Chlamydia: How Long Does It Last
Chlamydia is a common and very treatable sexually transmitted infection . It is transmitted when an already infected person has unprotected sex with someone. The transmission of the condition is also possible during oral, anal, or genital sex. Chlamydia usually doesnt have immediate symptoms and can go undetected for months. That is why Womens Healthcare recommends going for STD testing in Boca Ranton if there are any suspicions that a person is infected to start treatment as soon as possible.
Since chlamydia is caused by bacteria, it is easily treatable with antibiotics after it has been diagnosed via a cotton swab test. However, many people who were exposed to this bacteria usually dont even know they have it until the first symptoms appear. Whats more, many people who might have caught it and got medical help may still be feeling chlamydia symptoms after treatment.
How Does Chlamydia Spread
Chlamydia is spread when a person has unprotected sex with an infected person.
Because chlamydial infection often has no symptoms, many people do not realise they have the infection.
Even if you know a person well, you may not be able to tell they have an STI, because people can look healthy and still have chlamydia.
Remember, you can get chlamydia and other STIs from a new sexual partner who has in the past had sex with someone who is infected.
It can also be spread from a long-term partner who has had sex with other people.
Recommended Reading: Is There Other Ways To Get Chlamydia
How Long Does It Take To Show Up In People With Penises
Theres no significant difference in the amount of time it takes for chlamydia symptoms to show up for people with penises as compared to people with vulvas.
The only major difference in the time it takes for symptoms to show up among people of various sexes may be related to how often symptoms show up.
According to the Childrens National Health System, 90 percent of people with vulvas dont ever experience any physical symptoms, while 70 percent of people with penises never notice any symptoms.
This difference in who actually experiences symptoms between these two groups may have some effect on how long it takes for symptoms show up. But theres never been any definitive link between your sex and when your symptoms appear.
What Happens If I Get Chlamydia When I’m Pregnant
- Chlamydia during pregnancy has been associated in very rare cases with problems such as premature birth, and infection of the uterus lining after the birth.
- It can be passed to the baby during the birth and before the baby is born. This can cause inflammation and discharge in the babys eye and/or pneumonia.
- You may be offered a chlamydia test as part of your antenatal care.
- Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics when youre pregnant and when youre breastfeeding. The antibiotics wont harm the baby, but do tell the doctor or nurse that youre pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Youll be advised to have another test after you complete your treatment.
You May Like: What Is The Test For Chlamydia Called
Chlamydia Signs And Symptoms In Females How Long Does Treatment For Chlamydia Last
Chlamydia is frequently known as the quiet infection. Thats due to the fact that people with chlamydia might not experience signs and symptoms in any way.
If a woman agreements the STI, it might take a number of weeks before any kind of signs show up.
Several of the most common signs and symptoms of chlamydia in women include:
- agonizing intercourse
- pain in the reduced abdomen
- inflammation of the cervix
- hemorrhaging in between durations
In some females, the infection can infect the fallopian tubes, which might trigger a problem called pelvic inflammatory disease .
Read Also: What Are Ways To Get Chlamydia
What Are The Signs Of Chlamydia
Here are the most frequent symptoms of Chlamydia, both in those with penises and those with vulvas.
Penises holders with penises
- discomfort is when you have to pee
- unusual clear or cloudy discharges from the penis.
- Itching or burning sensations in the urinary tract
- discomfort in your tests
- an increase in the size of your testes as a result of epididymitis
Vulvas with people
- discomfort if you need to pee
- an unusual transparent or cloudy discharge coming from the vagina
- pain in your abdomen or your hips
- uncomfortable or aching during an affair
- bleeding after having sexual contact
- abnormal bleeding even if you do not have a period
- the rectum area or anus
You May Like: How To Know If You Have Chlamydia At Home
How To Help Partners Get Treatment
If you are not sure whether your sexual partner will seek treatment, ask your doctor for extra chlamydia medication . You can give it to them so they can be treated as soon as possible.
This is known as patient delivered partner therapy for chlamydia. Talk to your doctor to see if PDPT is right for you and your sexual partner.
How Long Does It Take To Show Up On A Test
There are several tests that you doctor might use to diagnose chlamydia:
- Urine test. Youll pee in a cup thats sent off to a laboratory testing facility to see if any chlamydia bacteria are present in your urine.
- Blood test. Your doctor will use a sterile needle to draw some of your blood and send it to a lab to see if antibodies to the chlamydia bacteria are present in your bloodstream.
- Swab. Your doctor will use a cotton round or stick to take a small sample of tissue or fluid that carries the infection, which is then sent to a lab to be cultured so that lab technicians can see what bacteria grows from the sample.
How long it takes for the results to show up depends on the test and on your specific health insurance plan.
- Urine tests take about 2 to 5 days to show a positive or negative result.
- Blood tests can come back with results in a few minutes if the blood is analyzed on site. But they can take a week or more if sent to an off-site lab.
- Swab results take about 2 to 3 days to show a positive or negative.
1 to 3 weeks to show up in people with vulvas.
Symptoms may take up a few months to show up. This is because bacteria are living creatures and have an incubation period that affects how long it takes them to cluster together and become infectious.
This incubation period is dependent on a variety of factors, including:
Don’t Miss: How Many People Get Chlamydia