Do I Need a Chlamydia Test?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD or STI) that can affect men and women. This bacterial STD may be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and can even be transferred to a baby during childbirth if the mother is infected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 2 million chlamydial infections were reported in the United States in 2017.

You may believe that a chlamydia test is only necessary if you are showing signs of an infection, but did you know that chlamydia usually doesn’t cause obvious symptoms? If symptoms do appear, they are often mild or may not become noticeable for several weeks. Here is a brief overview of chlamydia symptoms in men and women:

In men:

• Burning sensations while urinating
• Discharge from the penis
• Swollen or painful testicles
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding

In women:

• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain or burning sensations while urinating
• Bleeding in between periods
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding

It is important to promptly receive a chlamydia test if you are displaying any of these symptoms. If you don’t have symptoms but are sexually active, you should be tested at least once every year.

Am I at Risk?

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of acquiring chlamydia, but the CDC recommends more frequent chlamydia testing (every three to six months) for the following groups:

• Sexually active men and women under the age of 25 with multiple partners
• Men who have sexual intercourse with other men
• Men or women with a partner who may be infected or have multiple other partners
• Men or women who do not wear condoms

It is also important to receive a chlamydia test if you are pregnant.

What Does Chlamydia Treatment Involve?

Chlamydia is treated through antibiotics, with dosing dependent on the severity of the infection. Many infections only take a few weeks to resolve, however, it is important to abstain from sex until the infection has completely cleared. It is also important to seek prompt treatment if you are a woman, as chlamydia can severely damage your reproductive system if it is left unaddressed.

Chlamydia Testing at Affinity Urgent Care

Affinity Urgent Care is pleased to provide a full spectrum of walk-in STD testing, including tests for chlamydia. Our fully equipped urgent care centers in La Marque, Alvin, and Galveston, Texas, are led by experienced practitioners who can perform chlamydia tests and process the results in our onsite clinical labs. Furthermore, you can consider us a safe place to voice any concerns you may have, find answers to your sexual health questions, and learn safer sex practices that can help keep you happy and healthy.

To learn more about chlamydia testing at Affinity Urgent Care, contact us today or simply visit us when it’s convenient for your busy schedule. We accept most major health insurance plans and offer affordable self-pay rates. Our team looks forward to helping you achieve your best health!

What Are the Most Common STD Symptoms?

One of the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) symptoms is no symptoms at all. It’s true! Some STDs—also referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—do not cause obvious symptoms in their initial stages or ever. That’s why it’s so important to receive STD testing on a routine basis if you are sexually active.

With that said, several STDs do cause noticeable symptoms. The following is a list of symptoms that are associated with some of the most common STDs:

Gonorrhea

Men are more likely to experience gonorrhea (“clap”) symptoms than women. These symptoms may include:

• Burning or painful urination
• Swollen or painful testicles
• Unusual penile discharge

If a woman does experience gonorrhea symptoms, they are often mild and may involve:

• Unusual bleeding or vaginal discharge
• Pain during sex
• Abdominal pain

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes (herpes simplex virus) often does not have noticeable symptoms. When it does, they are usually mild and may include:

• Pain or itching around the genital area and thighs
• Ulcers and scabs
• Small white blisters or red bumps
• Flu-like symptoms

Syphilis

Syphilis is a particularly complex, contagious, and serious STD that warrants prompt medical attention. With syphilis, one symptom may heal on its own only to be followed by the development of a new symptom. Be sure to quickly speak with a medical professional if you notice any of the following:

• Small, painless sores around the genital area or mouth
• A rose-colored rash on the palms of the hands or bottom of the feet
• Wart-like growths around the genital area
• White patches on the inside of the mouth
• Fever and swollen lymph nodes

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

HPV is the most common STD in the United States. There are often no noticeable symptoms, but warts may sometimes develop around the genital area. These warts may appear as small flesh-colored, red, or pink growths. Itchiness and bleeding may sometimes occur.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia does not cause noticeable symptoms in most cases. When it does, here’s what it may involve.

In men:

• Painful urination
• Clear or cloudy penile discharge
• Itching and burning
• Swollen or painful testicles

In women:

• Abnormal bleeding or vaginal discharge
• Unusually painful periods
• Pain during sex
• Painful urination
• Fever with abdominal pain
• Itching and burning

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a serious infection of the liver that requires timely medical treatment. Its symptoms include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Brown or orange urine or light-colored bowel movements
• Fatigue that lasts for several weeks
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite

HIV & AIDS

An infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) over the course of about 10 years if the initial infection is left untreated. The symptoms of HIV/AIDS can vary significantly depending on the phase of the disease. During the initial HIV infection, the following symptoms may persist for a few weeks:

• Muscle and joint pain
• Swollen neck lymph nodes
• Fever
• Headache
• Rashes
• Painful mouth sores
• Sore throat

As HIV progresses and attacks more immune cells, symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Shingles
• Oral yeast infection

Finally, if AIDS develops, the following symptoms may occur:

• Frequent fevers
• Heavy night sweats
• Lingering fatigue
• Chronic diarrhea
• Skin rashes and bumps
• Abnormal white spots in your mouth

It’s important to note that men who have sexual intercourse with other men are more likely to be diagnosed with an STD and should be particularly mindful to receive regular STD testing. In these cases, symptoms may also develop around the rectum.

STD Testing and Treatment at Affinity Urgent Care

Affinity Urgent Care is a safe place to receive confidential STD testing, learn about safer sex practices, and find answers to all of your questions. We can also provide treatment for some STDs and will direct you to a specialist if we can’t. Our fully equipped immediate care centers in La Marque, Alvin, and Galveston, Texas, are led by experienced medical practitioners who provide compassionate and personalized care. And, with extended hours every day and no appointments required, you can stop by when it works best for your busy schedule.

Other Resources

Guide From STDtesting.org

Truvada for HIV Prevention

Affinity Urgent Care is pleased to offer Truvada for PrEP® (pre-exposure prophylaxis). This first-of-its-kind pill is designed to help reduce the risk of acquiring HIV-1 through sexual contact when combined with safe sex practices.

If you would like to learn more information about Truvada or our STD testing services, contact our friendly team at Affinity Urgent Care today. Or, just stop by when it’s convenient for you. We accept all major health insurance plans and offer reduced rates to self-pay patients.