Chlamydia Screening
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is an infection that is easily spread through sexual contact. It is hard to know if you are infected with chlamydia because it usually has few or no symptoms. Often, the only way to know if a woman has chlamydia is with a screening test done as part of a routine health exam. If you are a sexually active woman, a chlamydia screening test during a routine health exam is one part of overall good quality health care. You can use this website to search and compare how well doctors' offices in Massachusetts screen for chlamydia based on proven standards of care.
What is chlamydia screening test?
There are different screening tests for chlamydia, including checking urine for the bacteria, or taking a sample from your cervix (the same way a Pap test is done). Chlamydia screening tests are the best way to find the infection so it can be treated.
How is chlamydia treated?
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Often, the doctor will recommend that your sexual partner be tested and treated as well. It's important to have a follow-up test after treatment is complete to ensure that the infection has cleared up.
Women with untreated chlamydia are at risk for several health problems, including
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Increased chance of getting HIV
- Increased chance of having cervical cancer
- Pregnancy problems (including problems becoming pregnant, problems during pregnancy and delivery, and problems that affect newborn babies).
What should I ask my doctor about chlamydia
Here are some good questions to your doctor:
- I am sexually active, should I be screened for chlamydia?
- How do you know if I have chlamydia or not?
- How often should I be screened for chlamydia?
- How will you treat chlamydia if I have it?
- Can I prevent chlamydia?