6 Best At-Home Chlamydia Tests of 2021 - Healthline
6 Best At-Home Chlamydia Tests of 2021 - Healthline |
| 6 Best At-Home Chlamydia Tests of 2021 - Healthline Posted: 26 Apr 2021 12:00 AM PDT  Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than you may realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 people in the United States had an STI in 2018. Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs that can infect all sexes. The CDC estimates there were 4 million cases of chlamydia in 2018. The infection is one of the most frequently reported bacterial STIs in the United States. People with chlamydia might not have symptoms, making it a silent illness that can threaten their reproductive organs and cause extreme damage if undetected. However, the disease is curable with medical attention, and testing is the first step. Chlamydia is an STI that's contracted through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. The bacteria, chlamydia trachomatis, can be transferred without ejaculation or even penetration during sexual contact. Babies can contract chlamydia perinatally during incubation if the mother is living with it, which could result in issues like pneumonia and conjunctivitis. The CDC reports that chlamydia is most common in young people, as 2/3 of new chlamydia infections impact people between 15 and 24 years old. The CDC also suggests young women are more prone to the infection, with 1 in 20 women between 14 and 24 years old estimated to have chlamydia. However, men can also contract, carry, and spread the disease to others. RisksOne of the most significant dangers of chlamydia is its ability to go undetected. It might not cause visible side effects, but that doesn't mean it isn't dangerous. Its hidden threat can have lasting impacts, mostly for women. The disease can wreak havoc on people with vaginas by causing pelvic inflammatory disease, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancies, and potentially causing infertility. SymptomsWhen symptoms are present, they can often take several weeks to appear. Vagina owners with chlamydia may notice:
Penis owners with chlamydia may notice:
Chlamydia's symptoms overlap with gonorrhea, another bacterial STI. This makes it hard to decipher which infection you might be experiencing. It's possible to have both chlamydia and gonorrhea simultaneously, but one doesn't cause the other. Getting tested is the only way to be sure you're STI-free. Just because you feel healthy, it doesn't mean you're infection-free. The CDC recommends sexually active women under the age of 25 get screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea each year, regardless of whether symptoms are present. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, some factors that increase the risk of infection include:
To keep it simple: If you're having sex, you should regularly get tested for STIs. Getting tested can put your mind at ease while also making you a more informed sexual partner. You should also ask your partners for their status before engaging in sexual contact. While it may feel intimidating, building up the courage to ask can help you in the long run and relay a sign of respect for one another. Getting tested is a crucial step in getting the care you need. Testing is always important, especially when it comes to STIs. When researching at-home chlamydia tests, we read studies on effectiveness and online reviews to determine the best tests on the market. Best budget-friendly optionEverlyWell
EverlyWell claims to have greater than 99 percent accuracy when it comes to their chlamydia and gonorrhea test. If you test positive, a board certified physician in your state will contact you at no additional cost to discuss your results and prescribe medication. Every lab used by EverlyWell is Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified. This means the labs meet the standards to obtain both state and federal certifications. Available tests include:
Best for medical attentionLetsGetChecked
LetsGetChecked has more than 30 testing options covering a range of issues, like diabetes, thyroid levels, and sexual health. The company can test for 10 STIs with their convenient at-home testing. Testing options include:
After placing your order, your test will arrive in discreet packaging. The Simple 2 test only requires a small urine sample taken first thing in the morning. Return your sample on the day of collection, and your results will be available 2 to 5 days after it reaches the lab. If your test is positive, LetsGetChecked's medical team is available 24/7 to answer your questions. The team will call you to explain your results and provide treatment options. Best in-lab testingLemonaid Health
Lemonaid Health prides themselves on their ability to save time and provide convenience. Rather than visit a doctor's office, you can visit the Lemonaid Health website to request a consultation with a medical professional. Unlike other at-home tests, Lemonaid Health requires customers to visit Quest Diagnostics for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. The lab tests are processed within 3 to 5 business days, and results are shared through a confidential message on your Lemonaid Health account. The low price point makes Lemonaid Health a cost effective and convenient option for testing. Best test for self-collectionNurx
Nurx provides three user-friendly kits that cover commonly contracted infections. The test kits include unlimited messaging with Nurx's medical professionals, shipping, and results. The Basics Covered Kit tests for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV. For those concerned about rectal or throat infections, we recommend taking the Healthy Woman Kit or Full Control Kit which provide testing options for various parts of the body. Since Nurx offers throat and anal swabs, the testing company may catch STIs you would otherwise miss. Tests offered include:
Most tests are typically covered by insurance. But if you're uninsured, you can always pay the out-of-pocket cost. The test kit costs $75 with insurance, along with a $15 medical consultation fee. Best for quick resultsmyLAB Box
If you're eager for your results, myLAB Box delivers answers within 2 to 5 days. The at-home testing covers three testing areas and allows you to detect chlamydia of the genitals, mouth, and rectum. The urine and swab collection takes just 5 minutes and shipping to the lab is included. MyLAB Box is certified by the CLIA and College of American Pathologists (CAP), making them a reliable testing company that meets nationwide standards. The tests offered are:
If your result is positive, myLAB Box provides a free consultation with a physician who can help to answer your concerns and provide a treatment plan. Best for early detectionHealth Testing Centers
According to Health Testing Centers, their chlamydia and gonorrhea test can detect an STI within 1 to 5 days of exposure. Since early detection is key, the in-lab testing company can provide fast answers followed by a free medical consultation. Customers can purchase a test online using a credit card or PayPal (Health Testing Centers does not bill insurance). After payment, you'll receive an email with your lab requisition, and you can visit a nearby LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics center for testing. Tests are the same, but prices vary depending on the lab: How often should I get tested?The CDC recommends that sexually active women younger than 25 years old get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with a new partner, multiple partners, or a partner who has an STI should also get tested annually. Sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea annually. In cases of frequent sexual encounters with multiple partners, the CDC recommends testing every 3-6 months. If you're experiencing any symptoms of an STI, you shouldn't hesitate before getting tested. Are STI tests accurate?Data suggests that most STI tests are very accurate with a small margin of error. If used correctly, at-home tests can be as accurate and effective as in-office tests. How long should I wait before getting an STI test?The incubation period for chlamydia is 7 to 21 days. If you've had sex with someone who's positive, or if you've had a sexual encounter with a new partner, your results can be detected within the incubation period. It's recommended to get tested 3 months after treatment to make sure you're in the clear. Are at-home STI tests better or worse than in-person tests?While at-home tests are effective, in-office tests can remove factors, like poor sample collection, which can impact your results. For people who are anxious to visit an office in person or those with transportation issues, an at-home test can be a convenient step in getting treatment. Are STI tests covered by insurance?Many insurance plans cover STI testing through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). There is a high chance you can get STI testing for free or at a reduced price with your health insurance. Testing for STIs, like HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, are considered preventive health benefits that many plans cover under the ACA. STI testing can also be free or low-cost with Medicaid and other government programs. The coverage of at-home STI tests varies, so it's best to speak with your doctor or insurance company about your options. Some clinics, like Planned Parenthood health centers, provide free or low-cost STI tests, depending on your income. Chlamydia is a serious condition that can have long-term effects on the health of you and your sexual partners. STIs should be treated with seriousness and transparency. It's wise to get tested regularly when you're sexually active to keep you and your partners safe. Getting tested is both healthy and responsible. An in-office test is a reliable way to learn if you have chlamydia or other STIs. But at-home testing is an accessible and fairly accurate way to get the answers you need. Protect your health and peace of mind by making a plan to get tested in-person or with a private at-home test. Jillian Goltzman is a freelance journalist covering culture, social impact, wellness, and lifestyle. She's been published in various outlets, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Fodor's Travel Guide. Outside of writing, Jillian is a public speaker who loves discussing the power of social media — something she spends too much time on. She enjoys reading, her houseplants, and cuddling with her corgi. Find her work on her website, blog, Twitter, and Instagram.  |
| Yes, Chlamydia Can Come Back: 10 Things to Know - Healthline Posted: 19 Apr 2021 12:00 AM PDT  Yes, you can contract chlamydia more than once, although it's rare for it to reoccur or persist after correct treatment. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, usually azithromycin or doxycycline. In order to make sure chlamydia is cured, you need to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. You need to take every single dose — don't stop taking the antibiotics until there are none left. If you've taken all your antibiotics but you still have symptoms, contact your doctor or another healthcare professional. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), you'll need a follow-up test three months after treatment to ensure that the infection is cured. There are a few reasons why you might contract chlamydia a second time:
A 2014 study suggests that chlamydia can live in the gastrointestinal tract and reinfect the genitals, causing chlamydia symptoms to reappear after the genital infection went away. However, this study only looked at animal models of chlamydia. Research on human participants is needed. The symptoms of chlamydia typically disappear once you finish your antibiotics. This can vary in time, as some chlamydia antibiotic courses are one dose taken on one day, while others last longer. The CDC recommends waiting seven days after a one-day antibiotic, or until the end of a seven-day antibiotic course, before having partner sex again. No home remedy for chlamydia can replace antibiotics. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, so you need to take antibiotics to cure it. However, there are a few ways you can soothe symptoms while you wait for the antibiotics to get to work. For example:
Remember that these home remedies might soothe the symptoms of chlamydia, but they don't actually cure chlamydia in itself. The best way to soothe the symptoms is to use antibiotics. If you take your antibiotics as directed, chlamydia is likely to go away. But if it's left untreated, it can cause a few complications. For example, if you have a vulva, you could develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a painful infection that could damage your uterus, cervix, and ovaries. Untreated chlamydia can also lead to scarred fallopian tubes, which can cause infertility. If you're pregnant, untreated chlamydia can be transmitted to the baby during vaginal delivery. Chlamydia can cause eye infections and pneumonia in newborns. Untreated chlamydia can lead to epididymitis, which is when the epididymis (the tube that holds the testicles in place) becomes inflamed, causing pain. Chlamydia can also spread to the prostate gland, which can lead to painful sex, lower back pain, and a fever. Fortunately, treatment for chlamydia is relatively straightforward. And if it's treated quickly, you're unlikely to experience any long-term complications. If you have a sexual partner, or if you've recently had sex with someone, talk with them about your chlamydia diagnosis. They'll need to get tested and treated, too. If your sexual partner doesn't seek treatment, there's a risk that they can transmit it back to you, even after your infection has been cured. Need help starting the conversation? Check out our tips on sharing your STI status. To prevent chlamydia from reoccurring, there are a few steps you can take:
A type of bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia. This bacterium can take hold in the tissues of your genitals, anus, eyes, or throat. It's usually transmitted from one person to another during penetrative vaginal or anal sex or oral sex, although sex without penetration can also transmit it. Chlamydia can also be transmitted to a baby during vaginal delivery if the person giving birth has an untreated chlamydia infection. If you suspect you have chlamydia, see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Abstain from all sexual activity until your appointment. If you aren't comfortable getting tested for STIs with your usual provider, you can find a clinic in your area. There are many free or low-cost clinics. Here's how to find one near you. You can also visit GetTested or call CDC Info at 800-232-4636 (TTY: 888-232-6348) to find local clinics. It's possible to have chlamydia more than once. To prevent reoccurrence or reinfection, finish your full course of antibiotic treatment, and talk with your sexual partner(s) about getting tested and treated for chlamydia, too. Sian Ferguson is a freelance writer and editor based in Grahamstown, South Africa. Her writing covers issues relating to social justice, cannabis, and health. You can reach out to her on Twitter.  |
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