Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both men and women and is spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Many people with chlamydia don't experience symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis, burning sensation during urination, pain during sex, or pain in the lower abdomen. In women, symptoms might include bleeding between periods or after sex.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

Chlamydia is diagnosed through laboratory tests that can be performed on urine samples or swab samples taken from the penis, cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat. These tests detect the presence of the bacteria that cause chlamydia.

How is chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics, typically azithromycin or doxycycline. It's important to take all medication as prescribed, even if symptoms disappear. You should also avoid sexual contact until you and your partner(s) have completed treatment.

Can chlamydia be cured?

Yes, chlamydia can be cured with the right antibiotics. However, reinfection is possible if you are exposed to the bacteria again, even if you've been treated before.

What happens if chlamydia is not treated?

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious health problems. In women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy. In men, it can cause epididymitis, a painful condition of the ducts attached to the testicles that may lead to infertility if left untreated.

How can I prevent chlamydia?

You can reduce your risk of getting chlamydia by using condoms correctly every time you have sex, limiting your number of sex partners, and getting regular STI screenings if you are sexually active, especially if you have new or multiple partners.

Should my partner(s) get tested if I have chlamydia?

Yes, if you are diagnosed with chlamydia, all of your sexual partners from the past 60 days should be notified, tested, and treated to prevent reinfection and further spread of the disease.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Chlamydia Resources and Support

Trusted organizations, testing services, and support resources for chlamydia and sexual health.

Curated by healthcare professionals

Last updated: April 2025

Finding Chlamydia Testing

Getting tested for chlamydia is quick, painless, and confidential. Below are trusted resources to help you find testing locations near you:

Testing Location Finders

CDC GetTested - Find free, fast, and confidential testing near you
Planned Parenthood Health Centers - Locate a clinic for testing and treatment
HIV.gov Service Locator - Find STI testing services (includes chlamydia)
CDC HIV/STD Testing Locator - Find testing sites for HIV and other STIs

Home Testing Options

If you prefer to test at home, several reputable services offer FDA-approved home testing kits for chlamydia:

Everlywell - Mail-in test kits with physician-reviewed results
LetsGetChecked - Home STI testing with clinical support
myLAB Box - Nationwide home testing
Nurx - Home testing with medication delivery options

Insurance Coverage

Many health insurance plans cover chlamydia testing at no cost to you. Contact your insurance provider to verify coverage for both in-person and home testing options.

Medical Organizations and Information Sources

These reputable organizations provide evidence-based information about chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections:

Government Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Official guidelines and information
World Health Organization (WHO) - Global STI information
National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Research and health information
National Health Service (NHS) UK - Comprehensive information and guides

Professional Organizations

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) - Physician guidance and patient resources
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) - Clinical recommendations
Reproductive Health Access Project - Educational resources
British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) - Clinical guidelines

Nonprofit Organizations

American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) - Comprehensive information and support
Planned Parenthood - Education, testing, and treatment resources
I Wanna Know - ASHA's sexual health information for teens and young adults
CATIE (Canada) - Canada's source for HIV and hepatitis C information

Support and Counseling Services

Being diagnosed with an STI can be emotionally challenging. These resources provide support, counseling, and guidance:

Helplines and Chat Services

CDC STD Information Line: 1-800-232-4636 - Information about STIs and referrals to local resources
Planned Parenthood Chat - Live chat with trained staff
Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 for crisis support
SAMHSA National Helpline - 1-800-662-4357 for mental health support

Support Groups and Forums

The STD Project - Breaking STI stigma through storytelling
Reddit r/STD - Online community for questions and support
ASHA Support Community - Forums and discussion boards
Meetup Sexual Health Groups - Find in-person support groups

Partner Notification Support

If you need help notifying sexual partners about potential exposure to chlamydia, these services can assist:

Tell Your Partner - Anonymous notification tool
inSPOT - Anonymous e-card notification service
Many local health departments offer partner notification services - contact your testing provider for details

Educational Resources and Materials

These educational resources can help you learn more about chlamydia and sexual health:

Fact Sheets and Guides

Videos and Interactive Content

CDC Streaming Health - Educational videos
AMAZE - Age-appropriate sexual health animations
Planned Parenthood Learning Center - Interactive tools and videos
Sex, Etc. - By teens, for teens sex education

For Educators and Parents

Advocates for Youth - Curriculum and teaching resources
SIECUS - Sex education resources
CDC Health Education Curriculum Analysis Tool - For schools and districts
Planned Parenthood Resources for Parents - Guidance on talking to children about sexual health

Healthcare Access and Insurance

Resources to help you find healthcare coverage and affordable treatment options:

Low-Cost Healthcare Options

Find a Health Center - Federally qualified health centers offering sliding scale fees
Planned Parenthood - Offers sliding scale fees and may provide free services
Healthcare.gov - Find marketplace insurance plans
Medicaid - Government insurance for eligible low-income individuals

Medication Assistance

If you need help paying for antibiotic treatment:

NeedyMeds - Information on medication assistance programs
RxHope - Patient assistance programs
GoodRx - Prescription discounts and coupons
RxAssist - Database of patient assistance programs

Many local health departments offer free or low-cost chlamydia treatment. Contact your local health department for information.

Learn More About Chlamydia

Symptoms

Recognize the signs and symptoms of chlamydia infection.

Treatment

Learn about effective treatment options and what to expect.

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about chlamydia.

View FAQs

Sources & References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Resources & Publications.

2. World Health Organization. (2022). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Resources.

3. American Sexual Health Association. (2022). Resources for Sexual Health.

4. Planned Parenthood Federation of America. (2022). STD Testing Resources.

5. National Coalition of STD Directors. (2022). STD Resource Finder.