Chlamydia testing near me in Albany, NY

Chlamydia trachomatis - commonly known as chlamydia - is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium of the same name. Many people do not experience any symptoms of chlamydia.

In addition to the sex organs, chlamydia can infect the rectum which may cause rectal bleeding, pain, and discharge. Bodily fluids carrying the bacteria can also infect the eye, causing conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Chlamydia infections are spread through sexual contact. The bacteria that causes chlamydia lives in vaginal fluid or semen. Even if intercourse does not occur, the bacteria in these fluids can pass from person to person.

There are several misconceptions about how STDs and STIs are transmitted. While this is not true for every sexually transmitted infection, chlamydia specifically is not transmitted through:

• Hugging and kissing
  
• Air droplets
  
• Using a toilet after someone else
  
• Sharing food or beverage
  
• Holding hands
  

In many cases, individuals who have contracted chlamydia have either no symptoms or mild symptoms. However, chlamydia can cause serious complications if left untreated. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you undergo STD testing as soon as you notice any signs of an infection. Common symptoms of chlamydia include:

• Clear or white discharge from the vagina or penis
  
• Burning pain during urination
  
• Testicular pain in men
  
• Itching or burning sensations around the vagina in women
  
• Bleeding between menstrual periods and after intercourse in women
  

Chlamydia infections may vary in severity. Many individuals experience little to no symptoms at all. If left untreated, however, chlamydia can lead to serious complications such as:

- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is an infection of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This can be extremely painful and may damage the reproductive organs.

- Infertility and sterility: A chlamydia infection can damage reproductive organs in both men and women. If left untreated, chlamydia can damage and scar these areas so badly that the infected person is unable to conceive children.

- Newborn infection: The chlamydia bacteria can be passed to a child during delivery, resulting in illness and infection of the child. In some cases, infection to a newborn can be life-threatening.

- Premature birth or ectopic pregnancy: A chlamydia infection increases the risk of giving birth too early, which can be dangerous for the newborn child. Additionally, chlamydia increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, a condition in which a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus. The egg must be removed to avoid life-threatening complications.

Because chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it is effectively treated with antibiotic medication. These drugs are usually administered as oral tablets. The infection will usually begin to go away after 7-10 days of antibiotic treatment.

Abstain from sex while undergoing treatment for chlamydia. Additionally, inform any sexual partners you have about the infection so that they can begin treatment too. Even if your partner exhibits no signs or symptoms, it is very likely that they have also been infected, and require treatment. Failure to do so may result in sexual partners trading the infection back and forth repeatedly.

If you have undergone treatment for chlamydia before, you are still susceptible to the infection. Talk to your health care provider at the first sign of infection to begin treatment right away.

Chlamydia tests are simple forms of testing used to detect the presence of these sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Chlamydia and gonorrhea are caused by a bacterial infection spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex.

In many cases, chlamydia causes little to no symptoms. This makes it difficult to tell whether or not you have been infected with the bacteria that cause this sexually transmitted disease. Because of this, it is important to undergo screening for chlamydia if you think you may have an infection, or if you are at an increased risk of contracting one of these diseases. These STDs can cause serious complications if left untreated.

Chlamydia tests can be performed at a primary care health clinic, at an urgent care clinic, or at a diagnostic testing location. Women may be asked to avoid douching and vaginal creams for up to 24 hours before a screening appointment.

Women undergoing a test for chlamydia will have a cell sample taken from their vagina with a cotton swab or brush.

Men may have a cell sample taken from the opening of the urethra for chlamydia tests.

In some cases, for both men and women, a urine sample may be used to detect the presence of chlamydia. If your doctor orders a urine test as a screen for STDs, you may be asked to refrain from urinating 1-2 hours before your appointment.

After a urine sample is collected, the vial containing the urine will be given to a lab for testing. Similarly, if a cotton swab or brush was used to collect cell samples, these instruments will be given to the lab for testing.

While there are a range of sexually transmitted infections, the most prevalent include:

Chlamydia: A bacterial infection that is most often spread through unprotected sex

Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that can infect the rectum, throat, urethra, and cervix.

Syphilis: A bacterial infection that starts as a painless sore on the mouth, rectum, or genitals, and is spread from contact with these sores via your mucous membrane or skin.

Trichomoniasis: A parasite that can transfer between people during sex.

Genital warts: Caused by certain strains of HPV, and can affect the moist tissues of the genitals.

Hepatitis B (HBV): HBV is a virus that is spread between people through body fluids such as blood and semen. This means it's transmissible through sexual contact and sharing needles.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. The HIV/AIDS virus can break down certain cells of your immune system, leaving you increasingly susceptible to infections and illnesses. HIV/AIDs can be fatal.

Human papillomavirus (HPV): Pelvic inflammatory disease that has the potential to cause cancer in women and men.

Herpes simplex virus: Herpes is a viral infection that can result in sores on your mouth and/or genitals. Herpes of the mouth and genital herpes, though painful or annoying at times, does not usually lead to other serious health problems.

Leaving any of these STIs untreated can cause serious health problems. Book a visit with a healthcare provider through Sesame and save on quality care. Sesame offers virtual doctor's appointments which means you can receive healthcare from the comfort of your home.

STI screenings are tests that play a crucial role in detecting sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs & STDs). These are not necessarily a routine part of a comprehensive physical exam, so it is important that you ask your primary care provider or gynecologist about receiving testing. Early detection can prevent medical complications for both you and your partner.

It can be awkward to talk about your sex life, but it is important that you are upfront about any symptoms you may be experiencing, your health history, the number of sexual partners you have, and the type of sexual contact you have had recently. All of these details are factors that can help your provider offer accurate STD testing.

Common forms of STD testing include:

• Urine tests
  
• Cheek swabs/ discharge swabs
  
• Fluid sampling from sores
  
• Blood testing
  
• Physical examination
  

The specific type of test you need will depend on your symptoms and your health history. If you are diagnosed with an STD, you should tell any sexual partners you have about the diagnosis so that they can be tested and treated - if needed.

Chlamydia commonly affects younger individuals (ages 15-24). The CDC recommends that sexually active women under the age of 25 receive yearly tests for this infection. Other individuals who are at an increased risk of infection - and who should receive yearly testing - include:

• Men who have sex with men
  
• Men or women who have multiple sexual partners
  
• Men or women who engage in unprotected sex
  
• Men or women who have previously been diagnosed with an STD
  
• Men or women who have had a sex partner previously diagnosed with an STD
  
• Men or women who have been diagnosed with HIV/ AIDS
  

If you are experiencing any symptoms related to an STI, or suspect exposure, it is important to get tested. If left untreated, STIs such as gonorrhea can cause a host of issues, including infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and urethritis. Pregnant women should also note that gonorrhea can cause ectopic pregnancy or can even lead to a miscarriage.

It is also good to note that even if you have received an STD treatment before, you are still at risk for reinfection if you are exposed to a sexual partner that has gonorrhea.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following groups get tested annually:

• Sexually active women under the age of 25
  
• Women over the age of 25 with multiple sexual partners
  
• Gay or bisexual men
  
• Individuals with HIV
  
• People who have been forced to have sexual activity against their will
  

Pregnant women should be tested early in the pregnancy because an STI infection can lead to low birth weight, premature labor, or result in a miscarriage. The CDC also recommends that teens and adults ages 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once.

Testing varies depending on the type of STI you have. Chlamydia and gonorrhea usually involve a urine or swab test, while other types of STIs including syphilis and genital herpes may require blood tests.

No matter the test, you can save up to 60% on treatment options and healthcare services by booking a visit with Sesame. Sesame offers cash-pay pricing, which means you know what you'll pay before you even step foot in a doctor's office. No hidden fees. No surprise bills. No nonsense.

Yes! Online health care marketplaces like Sesame now make it easier than ever to get an STI test. Sesame has partnered with Quest Diagnostics to offer convenient lab tests at affordable cash prices.

Laboratory testing services may vary depending on location. To find a Quest Diagnostics lab near you, type in “chlamydia test” in our search bar. Once you find the lab nearest to you, you can either schedule an appointment or walk-in that same day. The results of your test will be securely and confidentially emailed to you - often in as little as 24 hours.

A positive result a chlamydia test indicates that you have been infected with either the bacteria that causes the disease. A negative test indicates that no infection has been detected.

Chlamydia tests are routine procedures, and you should receive your results within a few days of your appointment. If you performed the test at home, the results may take longer. If you have not heard from your health care provider after 3-5 days, you may call the clinic to ask about the status of your test, and whether or not results have been determined yet.

Nope! Online health care marketplaces like Sesame make it easier than ever to get a chlamydia test. Our booking platform connects you directly to health centers, testing locations, and providers near you so that you can get the care you need without the hassle of insurance networks. Sesame now offers testing options such as:

• Chlamydia/ gonorhea testing
  
• HBV testing
  
• HIV testing
  
• Syphilis testing
  
• STD Testing/ Management Consults
  

STI tests play a key role in your health and wellness, as well as the health of those near you. To book a low-cost STI screening test, simply browse the list of services provided by Sesame and book an appointment at your convenience - no insurance needed.