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!