Chlamydia is an STD caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the most commonly reported bacterial infection worldwide. Chlamydia is most common among people between the ages of 15 to 24. Approximately 1 in 20 sexually active young women (aged 14 to 24) has chlamydia. It is also common among men who have sex with men.

Gonorrhoeae is an STD caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It affects the layer of cells that lines the reproductive tract (the mucous membranes). In women, gonorrheal infections can affect the cervix, uterus and the fallopian tubes. In men, the infection affects the urethra. This bacterium can also infect the mucous membrane of the mouth, eyes, and rectum.

Transmission of chlamydia and gonorrhea occurs through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus of an infected individual. These bacteria can also be passed to a baby perinatally if the mother has an untreated infection at the time of delivery. Gonorrheal infections may cause blindness, lung infections, and life-threatening blood infections in infants.

When left untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which is associated with long-term pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancies.

Reinfection with chlamydia and gonorrhea through sexual contact with an infected partner can occur even after successful treatment.

Most individuals infected with chlamydia and gonorrhea are asymptomatic (do not show symptoms).

Symptoms:

Pain and burning while urinating
Abdominal pain
Rectal pain, swelling or discharge
Vaginal discharge
Bleeding after sex
Bleeding between periods
Discharge from the penis
Swollen testicles
Itching or burning of the penis

Symptoms of gonorrheal infection in the rectum:

Discharge
Itching in the anus
Pain when making a bowel movement
Rectal bleeding

Symptoms of oral gonorrhea:

Fever
Red, sore throat
Lymph node swelling in the neck

Who should get tested?

You should consider getting tested if

You are sexually active
You have had unprotected sex
You are entering a new relationship
You are experiencing symptoms of an STD
You have had a partner with an STD infection

It may take up to four weeks post-exposure before chlamydial and gonorrheal infections can be detected with lab analyses. Retesting with a specimen collected at least four weeks post-exposure may be required for people who suspect a recent exposure.

A false-positive result is possible directly after successful antimicrobial therapy, as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae nucleic acids may persist for three weeks or more.

HOW IT WORKS

Order your test.

Choose the test that matches your need from our large array of tests. The kit will be delivered to your door step. There is no need to leave the comfort of your home.

Collect your sample.

Register and activate your test. Collect your sample. Return your sample to our lab as soon as possible, using the prepaid envelope included in the kit.

Quality guarantee.

Your sample will be tested as soon as it arrives in our lab. Your results will be available through our secure online platform.

Details and FAQs

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.

How frequently should I get tested?

Annual testing is recommended by the CDC for individuals aged 25 years and younger, and also those over 25 years who have risk factors for chlamydia and gonorrhea (e.g. multiple sexual partners or a new sexual partner). The CDC also recommends chlamydia screening test in all pregnant women.

Why should I get tested?

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are common STDs, particularly among young individuals, but many infected individuals remain asymptomatic. Testing is simple and non-invasive. Treatment is simple and effective and will prevent any complications associated with these STDs.

What are ways to reduce the risk of chlamydia and gonorrhea?

Practicing safe sex with a latex condom significantly reduces the risk of STDs, although it is not 100% effective. Regular testing and prompt treatment is important. Abstaining from sexual contact until the completion of treatment will prevent the spread of chlamydia and/or gonorrhea to your partner.

If I get a positive result, what should I do next?

Contact a health professional to begin a course of prescribed antibiotics as soon as possible. Abstain from sexual contact until the completion of the antibiotic course. Ensure that any recent sexual partners are aware of your diagnosis so they can also request testing.

Can I contract chlamydia and gonorrhea again?

Yes. Although antibiotic treatment is effective for the current bacterial infection, it does not prevent future infections through exposure to an infected individual. Repeated infections in women can cause reproductive complications.

How do I collect a test sample?

Collect 20-30 ml of the initial urine stream into the sterile urine collection container. Urine must be collected at least 1 hour after previous urination. Transfer 2 ml of urine into the sample transport tube and seal in the transport bag.

How does the chlamydia and gonorrhea test work?

Our lab uses a molecular testing technique known as a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) to detect the presence of bacterial nucleic acid in the urine sample. NAATs are the most sensitive method for chlamydia and gonorrhea diagnosis.

How are chlamydia and gonorrhea treated?

Both infections are treated with a course of antibiotics. A single antibiotic is usually effective for chlamydia, while dual antibiotic treatment is recommended for gonorrhea. It is important to complete the antibiotic course as prescribed and to abstain from sexual contact until the treatment is complete.