Causes and Diagnoses

Causes and Diagnoses of Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis and is spread through unprotected sexual contact.

Diagnosing chlamydia

A diagnosis of chlamydia involves two simple tests:

• Urine test: A sample of your urine is examined under a microscope for the presence of bacteria.
• Swab test (for women): During a routine pelvic exam, your physician will take a swab of discharge from your cervix to look for abnormalities under a microscope.
• Swab test (for men): Your physician will get a sample of discharge from your urethra by inserting a small swab into the opening in your penis.

Because symptoms are often unnoticeable, you may consider a routine screening for chlamydia if:

• You are under age 25 and sexually active.
• You are pregnant.
• You are at high risk:
  • You have multiple partners.
  • You have unprotected sex with partners who haven’t been tested.
  • You are a man who has sex with other men.