Chlamydia Test: What To Expect And What Is The Purpose?

The Chlamydia test is one of the vital testing procedures to determine the presence of specific infections in the body. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and infection that spreads through oral, vaginal or anal sexual intercourse with any individual who is infected. Many individuals with this condition do not witness any specific symptoms, thereby spreading the infection without knowing about the same.

The chlamydia test for men or women looks to find any such bacteria within the body. The disease can be treated with the help of antibiotics in most cases. However, untreated chlamydia may lead to further complications like infertility for women and a swollen urethra in case of men. The other names for his procedure include Chlamydia/GC STD Panel and NAT or Chlamydia NAAT.

Chlamydia Test Overview

Why is this test required? 

The Chlamydia diagnosis and testing procedure is required in several cases for men and women. A large number of people get infected each year while the disease is also quite common for those who are sexually active and between the ages of 15 and 24. Many people with this condition do not have any usual symptoms and hence regular checking is recommended at intervals. Yearly testing is always necessary for the following people/groups:

1. Women who are less than 25 and are sexually active. 
2. Women who are above 25 with risk aspects like multiple or new sexual partners, sexual partners with STDs, earlier chlamydia infections, incorrect/inconsistent condom usage, etc. 
3. Men who are engaging in sexual intercourse with men. 
4. Women who are less than 25 and pregnant. 
5. Those who have tested HIV positive. 

Symptoms of Chlamydia 

Although the disease does not always come with symptoms, there are some that need to be highlighted here. 

Women- 

1. Pain in the stomach. 
2. Discharge/bleeding from the vagina. 
3. Pain during sexual intercourse. 
4. Urinating frequently. 
5. Pain at the time of urination. 

Men- 

1. Tender or painful testicles. 
2. Pain at the time of urination. 
3. Swelling in the scrotum. 
4. Discharge/pus from the penis. 
5. Urinating frequently. 

Chlamydia Test Procedure

Women will have a swab/brush used for collecting vaginal samples for testing purposes. They may also test at home with a kit. The doctor should be consulted on the best possible kit option in this regard. Men may have doctors using swabs for taking urethra samples although urine tests may also be recommended. Urine tests may also be used in the case of women. During this test, you will get instructions for adhering to the clean catch method. 

This involves the following steps: 

1. Washing the hands first. 
2. Cleaning the genital zone with the cleansing pad from the doctor. Men should wipe the penis tip with the same. Women should open the labia and clean the entire area. 
3. Starting urination into the toilet. 
4. Putting the container for collection under the urine flow. 
5. Collecting a minimum of 1-2 ounces in the container and it will have markings for indicating the same. 
6. Finish urination. 
7. Return the container as per the instructions of the doctor. 

Is any preparation required for the Chlamydia test? 

Women may be recommended to avoid the usage of vaginal cream for a period of 24 hours prior to the testing procedure. Both women and men may have to avoid consumption of antibiotics for a period of 24 hours prior to testing. You should always consult your doctor about any other specific instructions. 

Risk Factors Involved

There are no risks that are known with regard to this testing procedure. 

Understanding the Test Results

The positive result will clearly indicate a Chlamydia infection. This will necessitate treatments with the help of antibiotics. The doctor will provide instructions on taking medication. Make sure that you take the doses which are required in this scenario. At the same time, you should inform sexual partners about testing positive for the infection in order to enable their testing and treatment. 

Conclusion 

Chlamydia testing is imperative for treating and diagnosing the infection prior to it spreading in the body and leading to other complications. If you have risks for this infection owing to your lifestyle patterns and age, then you should consult your doctor about the testing procedure in question. 

You may also take a few steps for prevention of chlamydia-based infections. The only prevention method is to completely bypass oral or vaginal sexual activity. Those who are sexually active may lower infection-related risks through staying in long-term sexual relationships with partners who have negative STD tests and using condoms in a proper way while engaging in sexual intercourse.