Chlamydia Trachomatis

The most common test for chlamydia is called a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Your provider takes a sample of fluid by doing a vaginal/cervical swab or collecting a urine sample. Then, they send the sample off to a lab to check for the bacteria that causes chlamydia. Your provider may do the test in an office, or they may ask you to do an at-home chlamydia test. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure you get accurate test results.

Because most chlamydia cases are asymptomatic, it’s important to get screened for chlamydia even if you don’t notice any signs of infection. The CDC recommends that sexually active women or people AFAB who are high-risk for chlamydia get screened regularly. People with a vagina, more so than people with a penis, experience the most severe complications from chlamydia. For this reason, anyone with a vagina should be screened regularly, too.

You’re considered high-risk if you:

• Are under 25.
• Are pregnant.
• Have a new partner.
• Have multiple partners.
• Have had chlamydia infections previously.

Men or people AMAB should get screened for chlamydia if:

• You live in or visit a setting where chlamydia spreads frequently, like correctional facilities, adolescent clinics and sexual health clinics.
• You have sex with other men or people AMAB.

Regardless of your age, reproductive anatomy, or other risk factors — you should discuss your sexual history and sexual activity with your healthcare provider. Your provider is your best resource for offering guidance on how often you should be tested for chlamydia and other STIs.