What Happens During a Chlamydia Test? Everything You Can Expect

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.