The recommended chlamydia tests are quick, painless, and often quite accurate. They require submitting a cell sample to a laboratory for analysis. In many cases, you are not required to be evaluated by a doctor or nurse prior to collecting your own sample.
There are two primary methods for collecting the sample.
Using a swab a thin cotton swab is gently wiped over the area that may be infected, such as inside the vagina or the anus.
Urinating into a container this should preferably be done at least one hour after your last urination. Whilst chlamydia test for women may be asked to provide either a vaginal swab or a urine sample, men will typically be requested to produce a urine sample. Typically, the findings will be available within 7 to 10 days. If you have symptoms of chlamydia or your partner has been diagnosed with it and you’ve had unprotected sex with them, you may begin treatment before you receive your test results.
If you suspect you may have chlamydia, do not delay being tested. Chlamydia patients who are recognized and treated as soon as feasible are less likely to have major problems. You can receive a chlamydia test at any time; however, you may be encouraged to repeat the test if it has been less than two weeks since your last sexual encounter, as the infection is not always detected in its preliminary stages.
You should consider having a chlamydia test if you or your partner exhibit any chlamydia symptoms, you have unprotected sexual contact with a new partner, a condom separates during sexual activity, or you or your partner have engaged in unprotected sexual activity with others. After treatment for chlamydia, you may be offered a second test between 3 and 6 months later. This is because young adults who test positive for chlamydia have a greater chance of contracting it again.
If you have a positive chlamydia test, your current sexual partner as well as any previous recent sexual partners you have had must get tested for the infection and receive treatment if necessary. You can get in touch with your most recent sexual partners with the assistance of a specialized sexual health counsellor, or the clinic can do it for you if that is more convenient.
They can either have a conversation with you or someone else from the clinic or the clinic can write them a notice informing them that there is a possibility that they have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). They will receive a message that recommends them to get checked out. Because it will not bear your identity, the confidentiality of the information you provide will be preserved.
Antibiotics can treat chlamydia. If they take antibiotics correctly, 95% will be cured. Once chlamydia is confirmed, medications may be prescribed.
If it’s likely you have the infection, you may be treated before your results. If you’re allergic, pregnant, or breastfeeding, your doctor may prescribe amoxicillin or erythromycin. If your doctor is concerned about chlamydia complications, he may prescribe more medicines. Some therapy side effects are minimal. Stomachache, diarrhoea, nausea, and thrush in women are common adverse effects.
