Chlymidia Diagnosis
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009
Diagnosis
Unfortunately the only way to be sure that you have chlymidia is to be tested. If you suspect you may have chlamydia, it is important not to delay having the test done.
The earlier the diagnosis and treatment of chlamydia commences, the less the chance of any complications developing. Complications that have arisen from long term chlamydial infections are much more difficult to treat.
The accuracy of chlamydia testing will depend on what kind of test is used. Most recommended tests are over 90% accurate in detecting the infection, shop bought tests could be less reliable.
You can also buy online chlamydia test which can be done in the privacy of your home.
There are different ways to test for chlamydia:
How can Women be tested?
Women can be tested for chlamydia by using a urine sample, or taking a swab from the cervix (neck of the womb).
In the last few years tests have been developed that allow women to carry the tests out at home, by taking a swab themselves from the lower vagina, or by using a urine sample. The sample is then put into a container and sent to a laboratory to be checked.
Routine cervical screening tests do not pick up chlamydia. You should ask your GP or nurse if you also wish to be checked for chlamydia.
How can Men be tested?
In previous years, the chlmydia test for men involved inserting a swab into the opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis to collect a sample of cells. In this day and age a urine test is now the most common test used. This method, although slightly less reliable than using a swab, is much more comfortable, and easier.
Testing for non-genital chlamydia
If you have had oral or anal sex, a swab of calls can be retrieved from your rectum or throat, but this is not routinely done.
If you have symptoms of and eye infection such as conjunctivitis (discharges from the eye), a swab may be taken to retrieve cells from your eye.
When to get tested
Statistics from the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) in England show that you are more at risk of becoming infected with chlamydia if you are under the age of 25, are involved with a new sexual partner, or have had more than one sexual partner in the last year and have not used protection.
It is recommended that you get tested for chlamydia if:
* your partner or yourself think you have symptoms,
* you have had unprotected sex with a new partner,
* you and or your partner have had unprotected sex with other people,
* you have an STI,
* a sexual partner tells you that they currently have an STI,
* during a vaginal examination your doctor or nurse tells you that there is discharge or the cells of your cervix are inflamed, or
* you are planning a pregnancy, or are pregnant.
Where to get tested
There are a variety of different places you can go to for a chlymidia test, you can chose the place most comfortable and convenient for you:
* a sexual health clinic or a genitourinary medicine (GUM),
* your doctors surgery,
* a young people’s and contraceptive clinic, or
* a pharmacy where you can buy and do the chlymidia test at home – certain tests may be more reliable than others so it is best to ask your pharmacist for advice.
The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) offers free tests to males and females under 25 who have been sexually active. The programme runs across the UK and will help you to access local chlamydia screening services. The screening can take place in a variety of community settings, including contraceptive clinics, GP surgeries, sexual health and GUM clinics, military bases, pharmacies, youth centres and gynaecology departments.
You should be able to find details of your nearest sexual health or GUM clinic in the telephone book, or by making use of the local health service search. You may attend these clinics at any age, even if you are younger than 16 years of age (the age of consent for sex), and all the results are treated with high confidentiality.