Do I Have Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection that is primarily transmitted through sex. It can infect both males and females, and people of all ages. Most people with chlamydia do not have any symptoms, but some people will experience pain when they urinate and abnormal discharge from their vagina or penis.

Chlamydia can be spread through oral sex, vaginal sex, and anal sex, and can infect your throat, vagina, penis, or rectum. Condoms help reduce your risk of getting chlamydia, but often break, leak, or slip, leaving you vulnerable. The only way to totally protect yourself from chlamydia is to avoid oral, vaginal, and anal sex or be in a committed relationship with an unaffected partner who is only sexually active with you.

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious health problems, including infertility. Because chlamydia is common, easy to transmit, and often has no symptoms, it is important that everyone who is sexually active get tested. You should be tested four weeks after having a new sexual partner. If you are frequently having new partners, you should be tested at least once a year. If your partner has chlamydia, or if you are experiencing symptoms, you should seek care right away.

Typically, all that is needed to test for chlamydia is a urine sample, and results are available in 1-2 days. Your health is important – don’t wait to be tested!