Chlamydia Test
A chlamydia test is the easiest and most direct way to tell if a person has been infected with the chlamydia bacteria. Since the symptoms of chlamydia are frequently non- existent, a chlamydia test can be done on a regular basis at the request of an individual who may have a higher risk of contracting chlamydia. Taking a chlamydia test can be accomplished in a few different ways.
The most effective chlamydia test is done via lab-analysis of a urine sample to see if the chlamydia bacterium is present. Other ways to test for chlamydia include collecting and analyzing cultures and samples of any abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina. Some doctors may even collect specimens for testing directly from the penis or cervix.
Testing for chlamydia is the best way to correctly diagnose the disease, and it is also the most efficient pathway to successful treatment. Chlamydia can be cured easily with antibiotics, so the only real reason that chlamydia is left unchecked is because it is never diagnosed.
As we mentioned above, anyone who is at high risk for being infected with chlamydia should get a chlamydia test at least once a year. High risk individuals include the following groups:
• Sexually active women who are 25 years old or younger
• Anyone who is starting a sexual relationship with someone new
• Individuals with multiple sex partners
Because chlamydia is spread through sexual activity, anyone who is engaging in sex is at some risk of contracting the infection. The best way to avoid getting chlamydia is to protect yourself. This can be done in a few different ways:
• Abstaining from sex will always prevent the transmission of any STD.
• Being faithful to one partner, and making sure they have been tested, is also a highly effective way of staying away from chlamydia and other STDs.
• Using a condom - every time and in the correct way - will help lower the risk of getting chlamydia or another STD.
Chlamydia is the most common type of bacterial STD, and statistics show that there are 4 million new cases reported every year. But that figure only includes known cases. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk for chlamydia should undergo a chlamydia test. If a person is sexually active and has more than one sex partner, it is a good idea to be tested for all types of STDs and always to practice safe sex.
A chlamydia test paves the way for treatment and cure, and that is important because untreated chlamydia can lead to some pretty severe complications. In women, untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may result in chronic pelvic pain, fatal ectopic pregnancy and even infertility. In men, the cases of sterility are rare, but other complications can cause chronic pain or fever.