Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Chlamydia may not have symptoms, so you may not know if you have it, but it can have serious long-term side effects, including infertility. Luckily, chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics. Get tested today and find out if you have chlamydia.
We offer confidential, low or no-cost STI tests. If you’re unable to pay, we may be able to waive the fees. Our certified enrollment specialists also provide free insurance enrollment assistance in Covered California or Medi-Cal. Don’t let the fees stop you from coming in to get tested!
Schedule an appointment:
To schedule your appointment, call (619) 515-2300.
General Facts
Q What is chlamydia?
+Chlamydia is a common STI. If left untreated, it can cause infertility and make it more difficult to get pregnant. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially deadly ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).
Q How is chlamydia spread?
+Chlamydia can spread through:
- Vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia, even if your partner does not ejaculate (cum)
- From parent to child during childbirth
If you’ve had chlamydia and were treated in the past, you can still get infected again.
Q What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
+Most people who have chlamydia have no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may not appear until several weeks after you have sex with an infected partner. Even without symptoms, it can cause infertility.
If you have symptoms, they may include:
- Abnormal discharge from vagina or penis
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles (although this is less common)
- Rectal pain, discharge or bleeding
Q How can I reduce my risk of getting and spreading chlamydia?
+The only way to completely avoid STIs is to not have vaginal, anal or oral sex. However, the following can lower your chances of getting chlamydia:
- Be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STI test results
- Use latex condoms the correct way every time you have sex
- Get tested at least once a year
Have an honest and open talk with your health care provider, and ask whether you should be tested for chlamydia or other STIs.
Q What is the test for chlamydia like?
+Laboratory tests can diagnose chlamydia. Your health care provider may ask you to provide a urine sample or may use (or ask you to use) a cotton swab to get a sample from your vagina to test for chlamydia.
Q Can chlamydia be cured?
+Yes, chlamydia can be cured with the right treatment. It is important that you take all of the medication your doctor prescribes to cure your infection. When taken properly it will stop the infection and could decrease your chances of having complications later on. You should not share medication for chlamydia with anyone. Repeat infection with chlamydia is common, and you should be tested again about three months after you are treated.
Q I was treated for chlamydia. When can I have sex again?
+You should not have sex again until you and your sex partner(s) have completed treatment. If your doctor prescribes a single dose of medication, you should wait seven days after taking the medicine before having sex. If your doctor prescribes a medicine for you to take for seven days, you should wait until you have taken all of the doses before having sex.
