How is it used?
The test is used in two ways:
- to diagnose the cause of symptoms, and
- to screen sexually active people for infection with the bacterium.
A definitive diagnosis is important because chlamydia can resemble gonorrhoea, and the two infections require different antibiotic treatment.
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When is it requested?
A doctor may request the test if you have symptoms such as vaginal discharge and abdominal pain (for women) or unusual discharge from the penis or pain on urination (for men). However, about 70% of infected women and 50% of infected men show no active symptoms, but can still infect a sexual partner without knowing. Risk factors for Chlamydia infection include age under 25 years, having new or multiple sexual partners, having sex with someone who has other partners, and not using barrier contraceptives such as condoms. You may wish, or your doctor may suggest, that you be screened for the infection if you have any these risk factors.
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What does the test result mean?
A positive test indicates an active infection that requires treatment with a course of antibiotics.
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Is there anything else I should know?
Chlamydia is often called “the silent epidemic” because infections are very common yet many people do not know that they are infected. Chlamydia is especially widespread among young people under the age of 25. A National Chlamydia Screening Programme is underway in England, to screen for the infection in asymptomatic sexually active men and women under 25 years of age. The aim of the programme is to reduce infection rates and spread of the disease, to so reduce the consequences of untreated infections.
Chlamydia is easily treated, but if left untreated, it can cause severe reproductive and other health problems, particularly in women. If you are infected, your sexual partner(s) should also be tested and treated as well.
People who are infected have a higher risk of developing other sexually transmitted diseases, including a 3 to 5 times greater risk of acquiring HIV if exposed to it.
The diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease should not be ruled out if the test is negative; patients' clinical symptoms and history should also be considered.
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