A chlamydia test is the first step in determining if a person has this STD. A STI test kit will identify the presence of this STD through microscopic examination of vaginal fluid. A chlamydia test will not confirm the diagnosis, however, and does not rule out the possibility that the patient has an STD. A chlamydia test only helps to determine if a person has the infection. A chlamydia test does not help in the prediction of when a person might contract the infection.
A specific set of symptoms requires a specific procedure to detect and treat it. In a normal situation, the human body’s immune system protects against bacterial invasion and the development of an STD. A normal vaginal discharge accompanied by itching or burning, and no apparent odors may indicate the presence of chlamydia. A positive chlamydia test, however, indicates the existence of an infection and the need for medical care. Abnormal vaginal bleeding or a strong, constant odor may suggest the presence of an STI. Some STIs have symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding or a foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
An STD is diagnosed with a urine or swab test. A urine test is most commonly used to detect gonorrhea and chlamydia. These two STDs can be treated with antibiotics. If a negative result is detected, a patient should be tested for other STDs. Because most STDs are not transmitted sexually, testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea is not necessary in most instances.
When you engage in oral sex with an infected partner, you put yourself at risk for contracting a sexually transmitted disease. In most cases, if you get chlamydia or gonorrhea, symptoms do not appear right away. You may experience a burning or itching sensation, but the pain usually goes away within a week. If no symptoms appear, have intercourse in order to avoid getting pregnant. If you do become infected, treatment should be started immediately so that the infection does not spread to another partner.
Most health departments recommend that people be tested at the first prenatal appointment if they have not received a Chlamydia or gonorrhea test at home or in the past six months. This is also true for people who do not use a condom during sexual intercourse and for women who are not currently being treated for STDs. Most health departments encourage patients and partners to be tested at the first prenatal visit if possible. Women who do not get tested early can increase their chances of developing serious health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), bacterial vaginosis, or endometriosis. Pregnant women who are not getting tested for chlamydia or gonorrhea are at an increased risk of having premature births, miscarriages, birth defects, and other reproductive complications.
If you think you might have an infection, get tested right away. Most health departments offer free or low-cost tests for Chlamydia and gonorrhea. If caught early, you can protect yourself from serious health risks and lessen your risk for contracting an infection again.