Chlamydia

Chlamydia (caused by Chlamydia trachomatis) is one of the most common bacterial STIs—and often has no symptoms. Untreated infection can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. In men, it may cause epididymitis and, rarely, reactive arthritis.

Lab testing uses NAATs (nucleic acid amplification tests) to detect the bacteria’s genetic material from urine, vaginal/cervical, urethral, throat, or rectal samples—matched to where exposure occurred. Testing supports screening, diagnosis, and follow-up after treatment. Results guide next steps with your clinician, but do not replace medical care or emergency services.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

• Often no symptoms (screening still recommended in many groups)

• Genital/urinary: burning with urination, penile or vaginal discharge, bleeding after sex, intermenstrual bleeding, pelvic/testicular pain

• Rectal: pain, bleeding, discharge, tenesmus (with receptive anal exposure)

• Throat: sore throat or none at all (with receptive oral exposure)

• Fertility & pregnancy: prior PID, infertility workup, pregnancy or planning pregnancy

• When to test: new or multiple partners, condom break, partner positive, routine annual screening if recommended

• Seek urgent care now: severe pelvic pain with fever, sudden severe testicular pain, severe lower-abdominal pain, or symptoms of sepsis

Symptoms and risks should be reviewed by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

• Detect silent infection with highly sensitive NAAT methods

• Match the sample to exposure site (urine/genital, throat, rectal) for best accuracy

• Guide timely follow-up—including retesting to check for reinfection after treatment

What testing cannot do

• Replace a clinician’s exam, treatment, or partner management

• Diagnose every cause of symptoms without site-appropriate sampling

• Guarantee detection immediately after exposure (there is a window period)

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

• Chlamydia trachomatis NAAT (urine or genital swab): first-catch urine, self-collected vaginal swab, clinician-collected endocervical or urethral swab

• Extragenital NAATs (as indicated): throat and/or rectal swabs if those sites were exposed

• Combined panels: chlamydia + gonorrhea NAAT from the same specimen to streamline screening

• Reflex/confirm algorithms: some labs auto-confirm positives or reflex to additional testing per protocol

Window period: NAATs can detect infection about 1 week after exposure for many people, and by 2 weeksmost infections are detectable. If you test very early, your clinician may advise retesting.

Quick Build Guide

How the Testing Process Works

1. Choose the right sites: order urine or genital NAAT and add throat/rectal NAAT to match exposure.

2. Prepare correctly: do not urinate for at least 1 hour before a urine NAAT; avoid douching before a vaginal swab; follow your kit or collection instructions.

3. Provide samples: a standard urine sample and/or swabs; blood is not used for chlamydia NAAT.

4. Get secure results: most post within a few days.

5. Plan next steps: your clinician handles treatment, partner notification, and timing for retesting.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

• Positive NAAT: indicates infection at that site—seek clinician treatment; partners usually need evaluation.

• Negative NAAT but very recent exposure: could be too early—retest at the window your clinician recommends.

• Persistent symptoms after treatment: may need test of cure or evaluation for another cause (e.g., gonorrhea, trichomonas, UTI).

• Pregnancy: test of cure ~4 weeks after therapy and retest at ~3 months are commonly advised.
  Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional; site tested, timing, and exposure history matter.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

• Core screen: Chlamydia/Gonorrhea NAAT from urine or vaginal/cervical swab

• Site-expanded screen: add throat and/or rectal NAAT when exposed at those sites

• Broader STI panel (as indicated): add HIV 4th-generation, syphilis, and hepatitis B/C tests
  Use bundled panels for efficient screening; add site-specific tests to answer targeted questions.

FAQs

Do I need to fast?
No. Chlamydia NAATs don’t require fasting.

Can a urine test detect throat or rectal chlamydia?
No. You need throat or rectal NAATs for those sites.

How soon after sex can I test?
Many infections are detectable by 1 week; 2 weeks is more reliable. If you test earlier, plan a retest.

I have no symptoms—should I still be screened?
Yes, many infections are asymptomatic. Screening is recommended for certain groups and risk factors.

What is a “test of cure”?
A repeat test to confirm clearance. It’s routinely recommended in pregnancy and sometimes if symptoms persist.

Why retest 3 months after treatment?
Reinfection is common. A 3-month retest helps catch new infections.

Are results private?
Yes. Results are delivered securely. Positive results typically require clinician follow-up and may involve public health reporting.

Related Categories & Key Tests

• STD Tests Hub

• All STD Tests • Gonorrhea Tests • Trichomonas Tests • HIV Tests • Syphilis Tests • Hepatitis Screening Tests • Reproductive Health Tests

• Key Tests: Chlamydia NAAT (urine/vaginal/cervical/urethral) • Chlamydia NAAT (throat) • Chlamydia NAAT (rectal) • Combined Chlamydia/Gonorrhea NAAT • Trichomonas NAAT • HIV-1/2 4th-Generation Ag/Ab • Syphilis (RPR with treponemal confirm) • Hepatitis B Surface Antigen • Hepatitis C Antibody

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening and Management.
• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Screening Recommendations.
• World Health Organization — Chlamydia trachomatis fact sheets and testing guidance.
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — STI screening in women and pregnancy.
• Infectious Diseases Society of America — Diagnostic testing for STIs and NAAT best practices.
• Clinical reviews on extragenital NAAT performance and retesting after treatment.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Chlamydia Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with a chlamydia/gonorrhea NAATfrom urine or vaginal/cervical swab, then add throat and/or rectal NAATs to match exposure. Use filters to include expanded STI screening when appropriate. Follow collection instructions carefully and review results with your clinician to plan treatment, partner notification, and retesting.