What causes chlamydia?

Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. The bacteria infect the mucous membranes of the reproductive organs, rectum, throat, or eyes upon contact with infected bodily fluids. You can get chlamydia even if your partner has no visible symptoms, and the infection can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth, potentially causing eye infections or pneumonia in newborns.

What is the best test for chlamydia?

The Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test is the most important test for chlamydia because it detects the RNA of Chlamydia trachomatis directly in urogenital samples, providing definitive proof of an active infection. This nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is highly accurate and can identify the bacteria even when present in small amounts. The test also screens for gonorrhea simultaneously, which is essential because these two STIs frequently occur together and require different antibiotic treatments. Testing both at once saves time and ensures you get the complete picture of your sexual health status.

When should I get tested for chlamydia?

You should get tested if you have any symptoms like unusual discharge, burning during urination, pelvic pain, or testicular pain. Testing is also essential if you have had unprotected sex with a new or multiple partners, if a sexual partner notifies you of an STI diagnosis, or if you are sexually active under age 25. Annual screening is recommended for all sexually active women under 25 and for anyone with risk factors, even without symptoms, since most chlamydia infections show no signs.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms at all, which is why it is called a silent infection. When symptoms do appear, they typically develop 1-3 weeks after exposure and may include unusual vaginal or penile discharge, burning or pain during urination, pelvic or lower abdominal pain in women, and testicular pain or swelling in men. Women might also experience bleeding between periods or after sex, while men may notice discharge from the penis or pain in the testicles.

Who is at risk for chlamydia?

Anyone who is sexually active can get chlamydia, but the highest risk groups include sexually active young adults under 25, people with multiple sexual partners, those who do not use condoms consistently, and individuals with a history of other STIs. Having a new sexual partner or a partner with other sexual partners also increases risk. Men who have sex with men face higher rates of infection, and pregnant women can pass the infection to their babies during delivery.

What happens if chlamydia is left untreated?

Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious reproductive health complications, particularly in women. The infection can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which leads to chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and permanent infertility. In men, untreated chlamydia can cause epididymitis (inflammation of the tube that carries sperm), potentially leading to infertility. Both men and women can develop reactive arthritis, and the infection increases the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV.

Can chlamydia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Chlamydia is typically diagnosed through urine samples or swabs from the infected area rather than traditional blood tests. The most accurate method uses nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) that detect the genetic material of Chlamydia trachomatis in urine or genital swab samples. These tests are highly sensitive and can identify infections even when no symptoms are present. Blood tests are not the standard method for chlamydia diagnosis because the bacteria primarily infect mucosal surfaces, making direct sample collection more reliable.

How is chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia is easily cured with antibiotics, typically a single dose of azithromycin or a week-long course of doxycycline. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic based on your individual situation. It is essential to take all medication as prescribed and avoid sexual contact for seven days after treatment to prevent spreading the infection. Sexual partners from the past 60 days should also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection, and you should get retested three months after treatment to ensure the infection is completely cleared.

How can I prevent chlamydia?

The most effective way to prevent chlamydia is to use latex condoms correctly and consistently during every sexual encounter, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Limiting your number of sexual partners and being in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner also reduces risk. Getting regular STI screening allows for early detection and treatment before you unknowingly spread the infection. Open communication with partners about STI testing and sexual health history is essential for prevention.

What can I do at home for chlamydia?

While chlamydia requires antibiotic treatment and cannot be cured with home remedies, you can support your recovery by taking your prescribed medication exactly as directed and avoiding sexual activity during treatment. Staying hydrated and getting adequate rest helps your body fight the infection. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to manage discomfort from symptoms. It is important to notify all recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated, and schedule a follow-up test three months after treatment to confirm the infection is cleared.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

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During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Chlamydia Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Chlamydia Blood Test & STI Screening

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections affecting millions of people annually. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which infects the genital tract, throat, or rectum through sexual contact. The Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects the RNA of Chlamydia trachomatis in urogenital samples.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 29, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com