How To Get Tested For Chlamydia Male

Who Needs To Get Tested For Chlamydia And Gonorrhea

The recommendations for getting tested for chlamydia and for gonorrhea are the same.

For women:

• If youâre age 24 or younger and having sex, get tested once every year
• If youâre age 25 or older, get tested if you have more than 1 sex partner, a new sex partner, or a sex partner with an STD

For men:

• Talk with a doctor to find out if you need to get tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other STDs

Donât Miss: How Long Does Chlamydia Last Untreated

Does Chlamydia Have A Smell

Chlamydia doesnt always smell, but the smell of chlamydia can be strong and unpleasant. Chlamydia can also cause pus in your urine, which also makes your urine smell bad. However, foul-smelling discharge can have other causes, which according to the Mayo Clinic, can include:

• Bacterial vaginosis

Also Check: Can You Take Amoxicillin 500mg For Chlamydia

Symptoms In The Throat

Chlamydia symptoms can sometimes appear in the throat, although this is uncommon. When it does occur, the time frame is likely to be similar to that of chlamydia infections of the genitals.

In people who experience symptoms, the main one is a persistent sore throat. A doctor may refer to a chlamydia infection in the throat as pharyngeal chlamydia.

Testing for chlamydia in the throat is not a common practice in STI testing, as it does not have approval from the Food and Drug Administration . However, if a person suspects that they have pharyngeal chlamydia, a doctor may take a swab from the throat.

A person can undergo testing for chlamydia at their:

• doctors office
• local health department
• local planned parenthood center

A person can also order a chlamydia test online, take it at home, and then send it off for testing.

If people are at high risk of chlamydia, they may need screening for all types of chlamydia every 36 months.

At risk groups include people who have:

• multiple or unknown sexual partners
• sex in combination with illegal drug use
• sexual partners who use illegal drugs or have multiple partners

7 days .

People should avoid having sex until their treatment is complete. If a person is experiencing symptoms even after the treatment, they should see a doctor.

People who menstruate should notice that their periods return to normal or that bleeding between periods stops by their next period.

Recommended Reading: Signs And Symptoms Of Chlamydia In Females

The Right Time To Test For Chlamydia

If you suspect the possibility of Chlamydia infection, then the right time to take the Chlamydia test is at least within 1 to 5 days of exposure. To ensure that you have got rid of the Chlamydia bacterium, get the test done again after 1 month of antibiotic treatment.

Younger people who are sexually active and older women having multiple sex partners are advised to take the Chlamydia test at least once in a year.

How Common Is Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common STI caused by bacteria. Nearly 2 million cases of chlamydia were reported to the CDC in 2019. The number of infections is likely even higher. When compared to previous years, 2019 infection rates increased among people of all genders, all races and ethnicities, and in every region of the U.S. Most cases of chlamydia are asymptomatic, which means there are no signs or symptoms of an infection. Many of these cases likely go unreported.

Certain demographic characteristics may make you more likely to get diagnosed with chlamydia. Youre more likely to get diagnosed if youre:

• A teen or young adult aged 15 to 24. More than half of all diagnosed chlamydia cases in the U.S. occur in this age group.
• A cisgender woman aged 15 to 24. Young women in this age group are targeted for chlamydia screenings, and the rate of infection among those who are tested is high.
• A man who has sex with men . Chlamydia infections disproportionately affect men who have sex with men.
• Black and non-Hispanic. Chlamydia infections disproportionately affect non-Hispanic Black populations.

You May Like: Azithromycin 250 Mg Tablet For Chlamydia

Also Check: How To Get Chlamydia Pills

It Is Easy To Get Tested For Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women. While both genders can be affected, the specific effects and method of diagnosis for the bacterial infection differs between male patients and female patients. We looked at the methods used to assist in the diagnosis of chlamydia among men in this post, as well as some particular factors that are unique to a male patient with this condition.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms

As most people do not have any early symptoms, it is often difficult to tell whether you are infected. This is why it is important to get tested regularly. For those people who do get symptoms, these may include:

• Burning or painful sensation when urinating
• In women, discharge or “mucus” coming out of the vagina, back pain, unusual pain during sex and bleeding between periods
• In men, discharge or “mucus” coming out of the penis, inflamed or swollen testicles and/or discomfort around the tip of the penis.

Did you know?

Chlamydia is the most common STI in Ireland, however, 80% of women and over 50% of men have no symptoms. The only way to know if you have it is to get tested.

Recommended Reading: Can I Have Chlamydia Without Symptoms

Im Pregnant How Does Chlamydia Affect My Baby

If you are pregnant and have chlamydia, you can pass the infection to your baby during delivery. This could cause an eye infection or pneumonia in your newborn. Having chlamydia may also make it more likely to deliver your baby too early.

If you are pregnant, you should get tested for chlamydia at your first prenatal visit. Testing and treatment are the best ways to prevent health problems.

Where Can I Get A Test

There are a number of services you can go to. Choose the one you feel most comfortable with.

A chlamydia test can be done at:

• a genitourinary medicine or sexual health clinic
• your general practice
• contraception and young peoples clinics
• some pharmacies.

Abortion clinics, antenatal services and some gynaecology services may also offer a chlamydia test.

In England, if youre a woman aged under 25 years old, you may be offered a chlamydia test as part of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme when you visit some service for other reasons, for example at a pharmacy or your GP.

The NCSP aims to identify people without symptoms to reduce the complications of untreated infection. If chlamydia is not treated, it can cause health complications, especially in women. Untreated chlamydia in women can cause pain in the pelvis, ectopic pregnancy and infertility .

If you are a woman aged under 25 years old and you are offered a chlamydia test as part of the NCSP you should consider taking it.

In many areas, free home self-sampling tests for chlamydia are available to order online. This is where you take your own sample and send it to be tested. See www.nhs.uk

Its also possible to buy a chlamydia test to do at home. The accuracy of these tests varies. Some types are very accurate when carried out according to the instructions, others can be less reliable. If you buy a testing kit make sure you get advice from a pharmacist or your doctor.

You May Like: Does Any Antibiotic Cure Chlamydia

How Is Std Testing Different For Men

Men and women are at risk of obtaining all of the same STDs. However, because of their anatomy, women bear a disproportionately higher risk of acquiring STDs than men. This is mainly due to the fact that its easier for bacteria to develop in the vagina than in the penis, which can lead to the growth of bacterial STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Men will likely find it is easier to notice symptoms than women, such as discharge. While women regularly have discharge and the consistency can change, discharge in men can be an obvious indicator that something is wrong for men. Men should not, however, simply rely on observing symptoms to self-diagnose an STD, as most STDs do not show any symptoms.

All of the STD tests we offer are performed similarly, regardless of gender.

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.

You can also take steps to prevent getting infected with chlamydia The best way to prevent chlamydia or any sexually transmitted disease is to not have vaginal, anal or oral sex. If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of infection by:

• Being in a long-term relationship with one partner who has tested negative for STDs
• Using condoms correctly every time you have sex

Read Also: Signs Of Chlamydia In Mouth

What Is A Chlamydia Test

This test detects a chlamydia infection, the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States. A chlamydia test looks for the bacteria that cause the infection .

For this test, you provide a urine sample. Or your provider takes a swab of fluid from your vagina, anus, throat or eye . Most often, you get this test in your healthcare providers office. But you may be able to do the test on your own using an at-home test kit.

What Is The Treatment For Stds In Men

STDs caused by bacteria Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are typically curable with antibiotics. Trichomoniasis can be cured with effective medications that eliminate the parasite.

Viral STDs may resolve on their own, such as HPV infection. There is no treatment for HPV infection, although it commonly does not cause problems. Genital warts can be treated by destruction and removal. HBV and, to a greater extent, HCV infections may persist and develop into chronic infection. Antiviral drugs and interferon may be used to manage these long-term infections, but they do not cure the infection. Likewise, HIV treatment drugs can manage the infection, but they do not cure the it. HSV infection persists for life, although antiviral drugs can help reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.

You May Like: How To Tell If You Have A Uti Or Chlamydia

Don’t Miss: How Much Does A Chlamydia Treatment Cost

How Is Chlamydia Treated

Chlamydia is treated with the use of oral antibiotics like Azithromycin or Doxycycline. It is important that the patient finishes all the antibiotics even if he is starts to feel better. The treatment usually clears up in about a week or so. After recovery, a person must get re-tested after 3 months to be sure that the infection is cured.

In case of severe Chlamydia infection, a person may need hospitalization, intravenous antibiotics, and other pain medicines.

When Should I Get Tested

Don’t delay getting tested if you think you might have chlamydia. Being diagnosed and treated as soon as possible will reduce your risk of developing any serious complications of chlamydia.

You can get a chlamydia test at any time although you might be advised to repeat the test later on if you have it less than 2 weeks since you had sex because the infection might not always be found in the early stages.

You should consider getting tested for chlamydia if:

• you think you could have a sexually transmitted infection
• a sexual partner tells you they have an STI
• you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy
• you’re offered a chlamydia test as part of the NCSP

If you live in England, you’re a woman under 25 and sexually active, it’s recommended that you have a chlamydia test once a year, and when you have sex with new or casual partners.

If you live in England, you’re a man under 25 and sexually active, it’s recommended that you have a chlamydia test once a year if you are not using condoms with new or casual partners.

If you have chlamydia, you may be offered another test 3 to 6 months after being treated. This is because young adults who test positive for chlamydia are at increased risk of catching it again.

You May Like: How To Tell If You Have Chlamydia Male

About The Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea Test For Men

• Test accuracy

  Please note, no test is 100% accurate but it should pick up these STIs if it is done at the correct time. If you are in any doubt, we advise that you go to you nearest sexual health clinic, or visit your GP.

• What are the chlamydia symptoms in men?

  The main symptoms of chlamydia in men include:

• Pain when peeing
• White, watery or cloudy discharge from the penis
• Itchy or burning sensation in urethra
• Swollen or painful testicles

How Chlamydia Is Transmitted

Sexual fluids like semen and vaginal fluids carry the chlamydia bacteria. Anyone can get chlamydia through sex without a condom, which includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Mothers who have chlamydia can pass it on to infants during childbirth.

Chlamydia does NOT spread through everyday contact like touching, hugging, coughing, sneezing, or sitting on toilet seats. The bacteria cannot live outside the body, and needs wet contact.

Dont Miss: Can You Have Chlamydia And Not Know

Also Check: Natural Remedies For Chlamydia Pneumoniae

What Should I Expect After A Chlamydia Test

After collecting a sample, your provider sends the sample to a lab. If youre using an at-home kit, you will mail the sample to a lab. The lab will test the sample to check for bacterial DNA. Your provider will contact you when the results are ready and discuss the next steps.

While youre waiting for results, its very important to avoid having sex. If you do have the infection and you have sex, you can spread it to others.

What If My Chlamydia And Gonorrhea Test Result Is Not Normal

Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your medical history and current health. Sometimes a GC Chlamydia STD test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your health care provider about your result and ask questions.

If your test result is positive, ask your health care provider:

• If you need additional tests
• Any questions you have about your treatment
• When you need to be tested again
• When it is safe to have sex again
• How to protect yourself against reinfection

If you have a positive urine chlamydia and gonorrhea lab test result, you should tell your sexual partner. Follow your health care providers advice about when it is safe to start having sex again. Use latex or polyurethane condoms every time you have sex to prevent another infection.

Read Also: Whats The Best Antibiotic For Chlamydia

Also Check: Does Chlamydia Hurt Your Stomach

Can Chlamydia Affect My Fertility

A chlamydia or gonorrhea infection may cause inflammation or scarring of the reproductive organs. Sometimes, this may lead to infertility . Both men and women can experience fertility problems after a chlamydia infection. Your risk of infertility increases if you delay treatment.

Women with untreated gonorrhea or chlamydia can also develop a condition known as pelvic inflammatory disease . PID sometimes causes your reproductive organs to swell, triggering chronic pelvic pain and making it difficult to conceive.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea can also trigger early laborâand pregnant women with chlamydia can spread the infection to their babies during delivery .

Prompt treatment reduces your risk of complications, as undiagnosed chlamydia may put your health at risk. Regular STI testing can help with early diagnosis of the infection, and most people who receive treatment for chlamydia make a full recovery.

Learning more about the different types of STDs someone can getâlike chlamydiaâcan help you care for your sexual health. To easily check for chlamydia from the comfort of home, simply collect a urine sample and send it to a lab with prepaid shipping using the Everlywell at-home Gonorrhea and Chlamydia test kit.

Recommended Reading: Can Bv Cause Positive Chlamydia Test

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.

Recommended Reading: Pills For Gonorrhea And Chlamydia

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

What Is Chlamydia Test

Chlamydia is a type of sexually transmitted disease. It is bacterial in nature and is highly contagious.

An infected person can spread the infection through unprotected sexual intercourse . Whats alarming is that some people have it without any symptoms at all. Therefore, someone can unknowingly spread it.

To find out if you have a Chlamydia, you need to undergo a chlamydia test. It is important to detect the presence of chlamydia infection so as to treat the infection right away.

Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics but if not treated could lead to serious complications.

Picture 1: A chlamydia test kit which enables you to check if you have a chlamydia infection right in the comfort of home.

Image Source: ebayimg.com

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease and a urine test or cell sample are needed to check for the presence of bacteria causing chlamydia.

Read Also: How To Do A Chlamydia Test