STD Testing Updates

Chlamydia is a common and treatable sexually transmitted disease that can create long-term complications without treatment. Engaging in sexual activity with multiple people will put you at risk for infection. 

People in relationships often wonder if they can catch chlamydia without cheating on a partner. Below, we’ll discuss ways to contract the chlamydia bacteria, infection prevention, and how Rapid STD Testing and treatment will help you.

Does Getting Chlamydia Mean Your Partner Cheated? 

If you get chlamydia while in a monogamous relationship, you may ask yourself, “How did I get chlamydia if I didn’t cheat?” You may assume your partner had sexual relations with another person, which is possible. However, it’s also possible your partner is faithful but unaware they have chlamydia because the infection doesn’t always include symptoms.

How You Can Get Chlamydia Without Cheating 

Chlamydia spreads through direct sexual contact, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. You can also contract chlamydia by sharing unwashed sex toys with someone who has it.

An assumption about chlamydia is that you must have unprotected penetrative sex to catch it, but that’s false. You can contract the bacteria by touching the genitals of an infected person because the bacteria live in vaginal and seminal fluids and pre-ejaculate. 

Allowing infected fluids to touch your skin isn’t enough to get an infection. Chlamydia thrives in specific body tissues like the cervix or urethra, so you will only catch it if the fluids make contact with them. 

You will not get chlamydia by:

• Kissing 
• Sharing towels or garments
• Swimming in pools
• Hugging 
• Sitting on a public toilet seat

Getting chlamydia in a relationship doesn’t necessarily mean someone cheated. However, it suggests that you or your partner had exposure to an infected person’s genitals in some way, either or before or during the relationship.

Chlamydia Symptoms 

Chlamydia symptoms can occur as soon as one to three weeks after sexual activity with an infected partner or sex toy. However, symptoms may not show up for weeks, so if you have sexual relations during that time, you could unknowingly pass chlamydia to your partner(s).

Chlamydia symptoms present themselves differently in men and women. As a woman, you may experience vaginal bleeding between periods or notice a heavier flow, regardless if you’re on a hormonal contraceptive like birth control pills. You could also bleed after sex or experience pain during intercourse. 

Other symptoms women with chlamydia sometimes experience are:

• Pelvic pain
• Abnormal or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Painful urination

Men with chlamydia won’t have pain or bleeding from intercourse, but they could feel aches in their testicles. They may also feel a burning sensation when they urinate or see unusual water, cloudy, or milky discharge from their penises. 

Can You Have Chlamydia and Not Show Symptoms? 

It’s not uncommon for the chlamydia bacteria to lie dormant for years and produce a low-grade infection. During that time, you may not have any symptoms for months, or they can be absent forever.

Around 75% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia report having no symptoms. For that reason, it’s best not to assume that if you or your partner has chlamydia that it means one of you was unfaithful. You could be in a loving, mutually monogamous relationship and be unaware that you have chlamydia.

Getting a Chlamydia Test 

Because you can have and transmit the infection without symptoms, a test is necessary to detect the presence of the bacteria and begin treatment. Even if you had sex once, you could still contract chlamydia.

Men should have a chlamydia screening if they experience any symptoms that could be an infection. They should also see a doctor if their partner tests positive for chlamydia regardless of their sexual orientation. 

For women, testing should occur at least once a year if you’re under 25 and sexually active. Younger people are more likely to contract an STD because they tend to have more unprotected sex or multiple partners. Women should also undergo an annual screening if they’re over 25 and have a new partner.

Another reason for women to have a chlamydia test is pregnancy. A mother can pass chlamydia to their baby during birth, resulting in medical issues for the newborn. 

Chlamydia Treatment 

Chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics. Unlike some STDs, it is curable and won’t remain in the body once the course of medication is complete, which can be a single dose or treatment that lasts for two weeks. Even if you don’t have noticeable symptoms, you must finish everything to ensure that all traces of the bacteria are gone. 

Three months after your initial treatment, you will need another test, especially if your partner doesn’t receive treatment. Until you are free of infection, sexual relations can unintentionally infect your partner and vice versa. 

Chlamydia requires antibiotic medications; it will not go away on its own. Instead, the infection will lead to long-lasting complications, such as:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease in women that produces long-term abdominal pain and infertility
• Liver pain and inflammation in women
• Testicle infections and reduced fertility in men

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone be born with chlamydia?

Like some other sexually transmitted diseases, it is possible to pass chlamydia to a newborn during birth, even if the mother is unaware of her condition. In most cases, the disease will present itself as conjunctivitis (pinkeye) or pneumonia. 

To treat the infection, doctors may prescribe antibiotics and eye drops for conjunctivitis to ease discomfort. Symptoms usually diminish a few days after treatment begins.

Can someone get chlamydia without having sex?

Because chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease, you cannot get an infection without participating in a sexual act. The only exception is if your mother passes the infection to you during birth.

Though you cannot catch chlamydia without sexual activity, you don’t have to have penetrative sex to get an infection. Chlamydia can pass from person to person from sharing unclean sex toys with an infected person or allowing your genitals to come into contact with their sexual fluids. 

Are you guaranteed to get chlamydia if your partner has it?

If your partner has chlamydia, you are at risk of contracting the bacteria by having unprotected sex with them. The best way to reduce the risk is to use condoms for oral, anal, and vaginal sex.

If you and your partner are in a monogamous relationship, consider getting STD testing for couples and seek treatment, if necessary. If both partners are clean, the risk of contracting chlamydia is nonexistent so long as the relationship is mutually exclusive.

Can you catch chlamydia from a toilet seat?

There is no risk of catching chlamydia from using a toilet, regardless if someone with the infection uses it first. The bacteria require a specific living environment, which it finds inside the cervix, fallopian tube, and urethra. It cannot live on toilet seats.

Can you get chlamydia more than once?

It’s possible to have chlamydia multiple times. The bacteria will not create antibodies to protect your body from further infection. You can get re-infected by continuing sexual relations with a partner who is untested and untreated. 

It’s best to always use condoms with partners who may have chlamydia. 

Don’t Delay Your Chlamydia Screening

At Rapid STD Testing, you will receive the answers you need concerning your body. Whether you have concerns about chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or how to test for herpes, we offer quick, confidential screenings.

If you think a recent exposure to an STD is likely, don’t delay. Contact Rapid STD Testing at 866-872-1888 and explore your testing and treatment options today. 

Easily spread and impossible to get rid of, herpes simplex viruses are among the most commonly transmitted viruses. Read on to learn more about this virus family, when and how to test for herpes, and treatment options.

Two Types of Herpes

Herpes is a skin infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus type or HSV. The herpes virus is characterized by its ability to persist in the body in a latent form of HSV infection, taking up residence in the neural ganglia near the point of initial infection. In rare cases, HSV of either type can take up residence along nerves, including the spinal cord.

HSV-1 (Oral Herpes)

HSV-1, or oral herpes, is the first type. Oral herpes is more commonly called cold sores. The blisters, which can be very tiny or as large as a small pea, typically spring up near a nerve on or around the lips.

When they begin to grow, you will feel a tingling, tickling sensation in the area. They come up very quickly and start crusting and leaking fluid as the virus progresses through its cycle. They are most contagious during this shedding phase and can soon spread on contaminated straws or eating utensils.

Oral herpes has been known to infect other mucus membranes, including the nose, eyes, ears, inside the mouth, and even the genital area if oral contact is made during shedding.

HSV-2 (Genital Herpes)

HSV-2, or genital herpes, is contracted through direct contact, skin to skin, or sexual contact. HSV-2 can be spread when no sores are visible.

Though both HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections recur periodically, HSV-2 virus infections recur far more often. In some rare cases, an infection can lead to severe brain and neurological illness, including meningitis.

HSV-2 causes itching, pain, and sores. There is no cure for genital herpes, but medications may ease symptoms and slow the spread of the disease.

When to Test for Herpes

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends STD testing for active genital herpes symptoms because they can visually confirm the infection. The appearance of blisters on or around the genitals and the rectum, and even the mouth, is called an outbreak. Once the blisters emerge and break, they are contagious and may take several weeks to heal.

Pregnant women who have a partner with genital herpes must get tested. The virus can be passed to the baby during birth or, more rarely, while still in the womb through the umbilical cord. They are at the most significant risk of contracting it if the mother’s first herpes infections occur during the third trimester.

Complications of neonatal herpes range from a high fever and skin blisters to seizures, convulsions, and even death.

HSV-2 infection can also increase your risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. You should get tested for HSV-2 if you:

•         Have a sex partner with HIV or another STD
•         Are a man who engages in sex with other men
•         Have multiple sexual partners

The CDC also recommends testing for anyone with a partner who has genital herpes. Testing can determine whether you have the virus. If not, your doctor can advise you on ways to lower the risk of contracting genital herpes.

How to Test for Herpes

If you are experiencing HSV-1 or HSV-2, your doctor can diagnose the infection by looking at your skin and swabbing one of the sores to test for the virus. In genital herpes, where symptoms are not always obvious, a blood test can determine infection.

The most common and effective herpes STD test is a viral culture. A swab is used to collect a sample of crust, fluid, or skin from a lesion. The virus is then permitted to grow in a laboratory, generating enough genetic materials to properly test the virus.

Viral cultures are generally reliable. Though some false positives or false negatives do come back, the chances of this happening are slim. If you have active sores, it is not necessary to wait before having the test.

In the case of HSV-2 infection, visible signs of which may not be present, a blood test may be used to detect the herpes virus. The herpes blood test searches for antibodies to the herpes virus in the blood.

Antibodies form when your body is confronted with infection and can last for years, even your lifetime. The presence of antibodies means that your body has encountered the infection, either recently or sometime in the past.

There are two types of herpes blood diagnostic tests:

•         General herpes blood tests only look for all herpes antibodies and do not specify what type it is.
•         Type-specific herpes blood tests look for all antibodies and identify what type of HSV infection you have.

The Herpes IgG Test

The Herpes IgG test is a blood sample test that detects specific antibodies for herpes viruses in the blood. This is a type-specific test that confirms whether you have herpes or not. It also can distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 and determine which type of infection you have.

The Herpes IgG test is best administered 3-4 months after possible infection. The antibodies can show up earlier, but if you take the test at less than 12 weeks, you’ll have to retake the test after 16 weeks to get a concrete answer.

Where to Get Tested for Herpes

Getting tested is the only way to know for sure whether you have herpes. You can get tested for both types of herpes and other STDs at your doctor’s office, the Health Department, or through your local Planned Parenthood.

You have to request STD testing of any kind during your regular checkup with your doctor or gynecologist, as they are not part of the standard exam. It’s essential to be open and honest with your doctor and nurse so they can help you choose the best tests for you.

If you have any sores or other symptoms, you should get testing and evaluation done immediately. At Rapid STD Testing, you can order an individual herpes test, with same-day results ready when you need them. They also offer test panels for STDs, including HSV-1 and HSV-2. The Herpes IgG test provides answers very soon after possible infection, as little as one week after contact.

Preparing for Your Herpes STD Test and Appointment

After you make an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist, you’ll want to prepare some basic questions and answers to discuss with your healthcare provider. Your doctor will want to know your symptoms when they began, any medications or supplements you take, and what your sexual lifestyle is as far as partners and protection habits.

You’ll also want a list of good questions for the doctor. Some basic ones to include:

•         What type of test will I need?
•         Should I get tested for other STDs?
•         Should my partner get tested?
•         How do I avoid infecting my partner?

Your doctor will also ask you questions during the appointment, especially about any pain you may feel in your pelvis, while urinating, or if you have any unusual discharge.

Treatment

There is no cure for herpes. Once you become infected by the virus, it never goes away though it may remain latent for long periods.

There are several treatments for herpes that can relieve the symptoms and speed the healing time, including antiviral medications, supplements, and topical treatments designed to soften the lips and promote healing.

Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications, such as acyclovir (Zovirax) and valacyclovir (Valtrex), to treat genital herpes and may advise that the medication be taken only when you have symptoms or an outbreak. In some cases, it is necessary to take it every day, even when there are no symptoms.

Supplements and topical treatments with the amino acid L-lysine are also highly effective at suppressing the recurrence of HSV-1 and HSV-2. L-lysine supplements are also effective at decreasing the length of outbreaks and the severity of symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pregnant women pass on genital herpes infections to their baby?

Yes, pregnant women can pass a genital herpes infection to their baby, especially if they are newly infected themselves. The baby is most commonly infected during the birth process. However, in rare cases, the infection passes to the baby through the umbilical cord.

Do STD tests check for herpes?

A herpes test may or may not be included in an STD panel. The tests in the STD panel will be chosen by your doctor based on your patient history and symptoms. It is essential to ask your doctor what tests you are getting and why.

STD panel tests are usually done for the more severe infection that has physically devastating outcomes if not treated promptly. For example, chlamydia, when left untreated, can cause serious damage to a woman’s body, resulting in infertility from the scarring caused by the disease.

Genital herpes rarely results in a severe outcome for an otherwise healthy adult who is not pregnant.

Does genital herpes increase the risks of HIV infection?

Infection with HSV-2 does increase your risk of contracting HIV. Researchers have hypothesized an increase in HIV infection in people with HSV-2 because of the sores and breaks in the skin. They’ve also found that HIV replicates more rapidly in healed HSV-2 lesions and even treated lesions are vulnerable.

Rapid STD Testing, a Rapid Screenings Center division, offers confidential antibody testing options with fast results. Our trained counselors are available to take care of you and set your mind at ease. If you think you may have been exposed to herpes, don’t delay testing. Contact Rapid STD Testing at (866) 872-1888 and schedule your same-day herpes test today.

 

 

You’re in a committed, monogamous relationship. One day, your partner says, “I have trichomoniasis.” Now your head’s spinning with questions, including “What is trichomoniasis?” and “How do you get trichomoniasis if no one cheated?”

At Rapid STD Testing, we can help you find the answers you want.

What Is Trichomoniasis (Trich)?

Trichomoniasis is a common and highly curable sexually transmitted infection (STI). Also called trich, the infection results from a parasite that can live in vaginal fluids, pre-ejaculate, or semen.

Trichomoniasis typically spreads from one sex partner to another during unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex. However, it’s usually passed from penis to vagina, vagina to vagina, or vulva to vulva.

The majority of people who have trich don’t notice any symptoms. Millions of people have the STI without knowing it. The only way to keep trichomoniasis from spreading is by practicing safe sex and using a condom.

Now you know trich is a common, curable STI, but you probably still have questions about symptoms, testing, and treatment. Plus, the big question that’s causing you so much anxiety is likely: How could my partner get trichomoniasis without having sex with someone else?

Trichomoniasis Symptoms in Men and Women

Though trich is easy for doctors to treat, you can’t get treated if you don’t realize you have it. How long can you have trichomoniasis without knowing? For some people, it can be months or even years.

More than two-thirds of people with trichomoniasis don’t show any signs. Others may not show any symptoms of trichomoniasis for 28 days or longer.

Trich is more common for women than men, though both can get infected and pass the disease to their partner.

The infection may affect the penis, urethra, cervix, vagina, and vulva, but men and women experience different symptoms.

Men’s trichomoniasis symptoms may include:

• Irritation
• Itching
• Discharge
• Burning and pain during or after sex

Men may also feel a frequent need to urinate as well as pain and burning during or after urination.

Women’s symptoms may include:

• Itching
• Redness
• Pain or tenderness
• Burning
• Swelling
• Difficulty urinating
• Pain during sex

Women should also be aware of any changes in vaginal discharge. If you notice that your discharge is yellow, green, or gray, contains blood, or has an unpleasant odor, it may be a sign of trichomoniasis.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to get tested and treated. While symptoms may appear and disappear or vary in intensity, trichomoniasis can live in a body for years without treatment.

How Can You Get Trichomoniasis if No One Cheats?

If you think you have trichomoniasis even though you’re in a committed relationship, you may want to take a deep breath before you dump your partner and shout, “I don’t believe you! How can you get trichomoniasis if no one cheated?”

Remember, men and women can have trich with no symptoms. Your partner may have become infected way before the two of you became exclusive.

You can even get trichomoniasis without being sexually active, but it’s much less common than getting trich from unprotected sexual activity.

People can get trichomoniasis from sharing sex toys, though you’d have to stretch your imagination to see that happening in a non-sexual context. It’s even technically possible to contract trichomoniasis non-sexually from swimming in an unclean pool, reusing bathwater, or sharing damp towels or clothes.

Can You Get Trich from a Toilet Seat?

Damp toilet seats are gross. They’re also a potential source of trichomoniasis, though an improbable one.

Toilet seats, even in filthy port-a-johns, don’t encourage the parasite to thrive. You can, hypothetically, get trich from a toilet seat, but it’s a low risk. You can cross it off your list of things to worry about.

Trichomoniasis Complications

Undiagnosed and untreated trichomoniasis may lead to serious health concerns. Just as men and women can experience different symptoms, they can also experience different complications.

If men don’t see a doctor for this highly treatable STI, their complications may include:

• Impotence
• Enlarged and irritated tubes in the testicles
• Enlarged prostate
• Prostate cancer

Women who don’t seek treatment run the risk of:

• Fertility issues
• Cervical cancer

For pregnant women, lack of treatment may cause premature birth prior to 37 weeks and low birth weight for the baby.

Both men and women may suffer from genital inflammation that increases the chance of getting and transmitting another sexually transmitted disease (STD) or STI. Without medical attention, trichomoniasis may increase the risk of getting or spreading HIV.

Trichomoniasis testing and treatment is simple, and it can help prevent serious complications. If you or your partner are experiencing possible symptoms, take the necessary steps to protect your future health.

How to Test for Trichomoniasis

If you show signs, you may assume you have the STI. You need to get tested for trichomoniasis to make sure.

You may feel shame or fear over getting tested, and you should know that those are common reactions. Remember, the process and the results will be confidential. Don’t let your current emotions put your current and future health at risk. Find trichomoniasis testing near you and give yourself some peace of mind

Since trich shares symptoms with other conditions, including chlamydia or gonorrhea, you might want to get tested for those sexually transmitted diseases simultaneously with an STD test panel.

A medical professional will perform your trich testing. The test may involve the doctor or nurse using a cotton swab to collect samples from your genitals. Sometimes they’ll choose a urine test instead.

A man can have trichomoniasis and test negative since test results on a penis are less accurate. Whether you’re a man or a woman, if you have symptoms and negative results, ask your doctor to retest.

While no one wants the news that STI/STD test results are positive, you can take action once you know. Inform any sexual partners and get medication to treat the infection.

If you hate to wait and you’re thinking, “I wish I could find same-day std testing near me,” Rapid STD Testing will help you find a quick, convenient location.

Trichomoniasis Treatment

If you test positive for trichomoniasis, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic, like tinidazole or metronidazole. It’s typically only one dose, and you should be sure to take it as directed.

You can get trich more than once, so if you test positive, your partner or partners should get tested and treated as well. It might be a strange date night, but maintaining good sexual health is responsible — and attractive.

Ask, “Where can couples get tested together?” You need to get treated together, too. You can get reinfected with trich, so if only one partner gets testing and treatment, you may end up passing the STI back and forth.

After you finish the full dose of your antibiotic, you should wait at least a week before having sex.

Consider follow-up testing after three months. Of course, if you notice symptoms sooner, be sure to seek testing and treatment from a health care provider.

Without proper treatment, trichomoniasis can be serious and can lead to complications. The good news is that trich is highly curable. Swallow one pill, abstain for a week, make sure your partner gets treated, and you’ll be symptom-free.

Trichomoniasis Prevention

If you’re concerned about trich and other sexually transmitted diseases, there’s a sure-fire way to prevent trichomoniasis exposure, of course: Don’t have sex. No sex at all. No oral, vaginal, or anal sex. NONE.

Most people aren’t willing to abstain completely. If you’re not willing to take a self-imposed vow of chastity, you can still take some steps to reduce your chances of getting trichomoniasis.

• Have an honest conversation with a potential partner before you decide to have sex. You might not think it’s romantic, but there’s nothing sexier than safe choices.
• Every time you have sex, be sure to use a condom.
• Sharing is caring, but sharing sex toys or exchanging fluids by hand can lead to trich or another STI.
• Maintain a long-term, monogamous relationship. Make sure you and your partner both test negative.
• For women, remove douching from your hygiene routine. Your vagina has good bacteria to help prevent infection. Douching can eliminate this naturally-occurring protection.

Sure, conversations about STIs and STDs can be awkward. You’ll be much less embarrassed talking about prevention than you will be talking about positive test results and treatment.

Don’t Get Trich-ed

After all of that trich-y info, your only question should be, “Where can I find rapid STD testing near me?” That’s an easy one to answer: Go to Rapid STD Testing.

STDs are by no means a new thing in human history. In fact, they may be as old as mankind itself.

Luckily, medicine and technology have advanced for us to be able to detect and treat them.

With that, we’re able to stay safe and healthy. Now, bacterial STDs can be cured and all STDs can be treated.

To seek proper treatment, you have to find out whether or not you have something to treat.

This requires STD lab testing in the form of a urine, blood, or swab test. Keep reading to find out how each of these work so you can stay informed and healthy.

How Does STD Lab Testing Work?

It’s helpful to understand how tests work before you get one.

Each of the various tests takes samples that are then analyzed in a lab. STDs are microorganisms known as antigens.

In each sample, lab technicians look for antibodies, which are the proteins our bodies produce to fight the STD antigens.

These tests are crucial as many STDs are asymptomatic, meaning there won’t be any signs that you have it.

If you are sexually active, you should plan to get regular tests. The frequency in which you should get tested depends on each person’s activity.

In the case that you do have symptoms, you can get STD-specific tests done. This requires consulting with professionals about your symptoms to indicate which infection you may have.

Additionally, a consultation can let you know more about how long you need to wait after suspected transmission until you get a test. It takes your body time to create antibodies, so testing at the right time is essential for accurate results.

After the appropriate waiting period, you’ll be directed to either get blood, urine, or swab samples from a professional.

STD Blood Test

The first and most inclusive of testing methods is the blood test.

Professionals take a small vial of blood from your arm. Don’t worry — it’s nowhere near the amount you would have taken for something like a blood donation.

In some cases, you may be able to have blood taken from a small prick on your finger.

Blood tests can detect the following STDs:

• Hepatitis B and C
• Herpes
• HIV
• Syphilis

For herpes, a blood test can provide early detection.

STD Urine Test

In a urine test, you will urinate into a small container that then gets sent to the lab to be analyzed.

This test is less invasive compared to having blood taken but it looks for different STDs.

These include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis

Some labs look for other STDs in urine samples but the accuracy may vary.

Speaking of accuracy, it’s important to note that in all tests, false negatives are a possibility. This is why regular testing and re-testing when you think you may have something is a good practice.

STD Swab Test

The final method of testing is STD swab testing.

Here, a professional will take a sterilized q-tip and rub it on the cervix, vagina, penis, throat, or anus.

This method can feel invasive for some.

This is why we choose to forego swab tests, as urine and blood samples are sufficient methods.

Swab testing is important for STDs that cause symptoms of sores, however. In these cases, a professional must get a swab of the sore to accurately diagnose what’s causing these symptoms.

This may be the case for herpes, syphilis, and HPV (genital warts).

You can get a pelvic exam and swab test at your annual gynecologist appointment. This won’t necessarily be accurate due to the testing windows and the fact that many STDs are asymptomatic.

It’s better to seek out a comprehensive test that can give you clear results.

Testing Results

For many labs, it may take weeks to get the results of the tests. This is unfortunate, as the idea of having an STD creates unease for many people.

We try to combat that by providing results within 3 days.

When getting a test or waiting for results, remind yourself that STDs are a normal occurrence. There’s a lot of stigma around them but in reality, anybody can get them.

It isn’t related to the type of sexual behavior you engage in. You can get an STD from only having one partner while still wearing protection.

You can rest easy, however, knowing that you can get treatment if the results come back showing that you have an STD.

Treatment

For bacterial infections, treatment involves antibiotics through oral pills or through injection.

For this to work effectively, the STD needs to be detected earlier rather than later. This emphasizes the importance of regular testing.

Bacterial infections include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis

Viral infections aren’t curable but the symptoms can be treated with medications.

These include:

• Herpes
• HIV
• HPV (human papillomavirus)

Aside from viral or bacterial, an STD can be protozoan. This is the case for trichomoniasis.

Side effects from STDs may include a fungal infection like candidiasis (a yeast infection). These can be treated with medication as well.

Take Care of Your Health

Even if the idea of STD lab testing is intimidating to you, it’s a normal and essential part of maintaining physical and emotional health.

You should try to have open communication with your sexual partner(s) about getting regular STD testing. This will ensure peace of mind and can stop the infection from worsening.

Plus, this will build stronger communication and trust between you and your partner(s). It’s something that’s not talked about enough but all it takes is one conversation to open the doors.

Consider getting our comprehensive 10-panel test to check for the most common infections.

In the meantime, keep reading our blog so that you can use education to live your best life.

In 2017, there were over 1.7 million cases of chlamydia reported in the US. This means there are around 528.8 cases per 100,000 population; this is more than a twofold increase from 2000 when that number was just 251.4.

Needless to say, this is the most common sexually transmitted disease seen in the United States; surely you’ve heard of it before.

But do you actually know what to look out for? And do you know what a chlamydia test entails?

Read on to find out more about this STD and how testing goes for it.

What Is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is simply an infection of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. This is usually passed through sexual contact, which means you can get a chlamydia infection in your vagina, penis, anus, or throat. In some cases, you can even get an infection in your eyes.

What Are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?

The main issue with chlamydia is it can be asymptomatic for many people. This means you can have an active chlamydia infection and not know it since you don’t even have one symptom.

This can cause health issues in the future, as untreated chlamydia infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can then affect fertility for women.

If you do manage to have symptoms, here are some of the common ones people experience:

• Pain in the pelvis
• Pain in the abdomen
• Pain in the rectum
• Pain during sex (women)
• Pain in the testicles (men)
• Frequent urination (especially in men)
• Painful urination
• Abnormal bleeding between periods
• Abnormal yellow discharge (in both women and men)
• Abnormal discharge from the anus

What’s the Incubation Period for Chlamydia?

Now you know the symptoms of chlamydia, but how long does it take for them to show up, if at all?

Generally, if you’re going to have symptoms, they’ll show up 1 to 2 weeks after you’ve been exposed.

What Happens During a Chlamydia Test?

After reading the above section, perhaps you suspect you might have chlamydia. At the very least, things don’t seem right, and you think you might have some sort of STD.

So what exactly happens during a chlamydia test? We’ll break it down for you.

Testing for Women

At the doctor’s office, you’ll have to undress from the waist down and lie down on an exam table. You’ll usually be given a paper gown or paper blanket to cover yourself.

The doctor will then swab the inside of your vagina, anus, mouth, and/or throat with new, clean swabs for each area. For some women, these swabs can be painful.

Thankfully, if you choose Rapid STD Testing, we don’t use painful swabs. Instead, we use either urine or blood tests to determine if you have chlamydia or not.

For a urine test, you’ll be given a small plastic cup to take to the bathroom. You’ll have to clean your genitals with a cleaning wipe, then you’ll urinate into the sample cup. The medical professional helping you will usually indicate the minimum amount they need to collect on the cup itself.

Once you’re done filling the sample cup, you can then wipe and get dressed. The facility will have an area for you to place your plastic cup in.

Testing for Men

For men, you’ll also be asked to undress from the waist down. You’ll be given a paper blanket to cover yourself, but you won’t have to lie down; instead, you’ll sit on the exam table.

The doctor will swab the head of your penis, as well as the urethra. They may also swab your mouth, throat, and/or anus. As you can imagine, the first two swabs may be painful.

Just like testing for women, at Rapid STD Testing, we won’t use painful swabs. Simply give us a urine or blood sample and we’ll give you your results in a few business days.

FAQs

After reading about chlamydia testing, you may want to move forward with testing but may have some questions. We’ll answer them for you below.

Where Are You Located?

Rapid STD Testing has several locations across the nation. This means you’re not restricted to just one clinic.

Simply use our search function to find a facility that’s near where you live.

Do I Need an Appointment?

We aim to provide convenient services, which means you won’t need an appointment. All our facilities take walk-ins and your visit should take just 15 minutes.

How Fast Will I Get My Results Back?

You won’t have to fret for long after you get your chlamydia test. You’ll receive your results within 1 to 2 business days.

However, if you’ve ordered more advanced tests along with your chlamydia test, it can take up to 5 days to get your results back.

Can I Use My Insurance?

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use your insurance with Rapid STD Testing services. We aren’t able to use insurance payments when it comes to elective testing.

If you’d prefer to use your insurance for chlamydia testing, then it’s best to discuss this with your doctor.

Is the Testing Free?

No. None of the testing with our company is free.

How Much Is the Testing?

The price of your chlamydia testing will depend on the panel you get. If you order just a chlamydia test, prices start from $99. However, if you get complete STD panels, they start at $189.

Get a Chlamydia Test Today

Whether you’re having casual sex with multiple partners, just started a relationship, or have been in one for a long period of time, it’s always a good idea to get a chlamydia test every once in a while. Getting a clean bill of health can give both you and your partner(s) peace of mind.

Are you ready to get tested so you know the state of your sexual health? Then find a facility near you now.