What Should You Know About Chlamydia?

Written by Kathleen Morrison
Medically Reviewed by Andrea Sleeth WHNP-BC, MSCP

Sex. Most of us are spending endless time thinking about it, chasing it, or (hopefully) doing it.

With all that physical contact going on, it’s only natural that germs like chlamydia have evolved to come along for the ride and cause us problems.

First off, compared to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Chlamydia is relatively mild to deal with. It’s easily treated with prescription Chlamydia medications, which typically consist of a short round of antibiotics. So, now that you know you can get rid of chlamydia without too much trouble, let’s get into the details!

Wisp treatment options are available only after consultation with a licensed medical professional. You should consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement or treatment regimen. Individual results may vary.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is an uncomfy (but totally normal) issue that spreads through oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse (and it can be spread even without ejaculation!).

This one is caused by a bacterial infection, not a virus, which means you have to treat it with prescription antibiotics. These antibiotics will help clear up symptoms relatively quickly and get you feeling back to your best.

Remember. Chlamydia can affect anyone, but it is especially harmful to women, since it can cause serious harm to their internal reproductive organs if left untreated. This is especially problematic since Chlamydia can be asymptomatic! That means either you or your partners can have Chlamydia without knowing it.

So, it’s super duper important to test regularly if you have unprotected sex or if you’re having sex with multiple partners.

Some of Chlamydia’s Harmful Effects

So, what’s so bad about it?

All STIs can come with harmful symptoms, especially when they’re left untreated.

Most people can take prescription Chlamydia medications and get over this infection without much long-term damage, but Chlamydia can cause more serious problems than the acute symptoms if it goes untreated for too long.

Antibiotic Chlamydia medications can be used to treat symptoms for folks of all genders, but the sneaky symptoms can vary from person to person! Pay attention to any ickiness you experience and, when in doubt, test it out.

Symptoms of chlamydia in men include:

• Penile discharge
• Burning during urination
• Pain and swelling of the testicles in rare cases

Symptoms of chlamydia in women include:

• Vaginal discharge
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Pain during sex

Prescription Chlamydia medications are especially important for people with vaginas, since they have a heightened risk of developing other health problems thanks to Chlamydia (no really, thanks).

Chlamydia can spread to the rest of the reproductive tract over time when left untreated, causing abdominal pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, fertility issues, painful ectopic pregnancies, or even passing on the infection to a growing baby. This is why it’s extra important for women to test regularly—so you know when you have an infection and can get treatment as soon as possible.

But remember, STIs don’t always come with symptoms, which means they can go unnoticed and spread pretty darn easily. On top of that, loads of STIs show similar symptoms and are hard to tell apart!

How Do You Test For Chlamydia?

So you think you might have chlamydia—or maybe someone you’ve been with tested positive, and now you’re spiraling. First of all, take a breath. You’re not alone, and the good news is, chlamydia is easy to test for and treat.

Whether you’ve noticed symptoms or just want to stay on top of your sexual health, testing is the best first step. You’ve got a couple of solid options when it comes to getting checked:

• At-home chlamydia test: Yes, you can totally test for chlamydia without ever stepping into a doctor’s office. (More on this below!)
• In-office chlamydia test: If you’d rather test in person, your doctor or local clinic can help with that, too.

Whatever you choose, what matters most is that you do get tested. Especially if you’ve had a new partner, unprotected sex, or you’re just feeling off. Testing = power. And you deserve answers.

Can you test for Chlamydia at home?

Short answer? Yes, you absolutely can. And honestly, you should.

At-home Chlamydia testing is a discreet, easy, and stress-free way to get answers about your sexual health—without needing to put on pants or make awkward eye contact with a receptionist. You can order at-home Gonorrhea and Chlamydia tests online, follow the simple instructions (we’re talking truly simple), and send your sample to a certified lab using the prepaid mailer.

Depending on your anatomy, the test might involve a quick urine sample or a gentle vaginal swab. Other kinds of swabs may come into play too, depending on where you’re infected—like your throat, or your bum (sorry).

Either way, it’s no big deal and takes just a few minutes. Once your sample hits the lab, you’ll usually get results online within 3-5 business days, plus the option to chat with a real medical provider if anything comes up. Zero mystery, no guesswork, and support if you need it.

Okay, but how accurate are at-home Chlamydia tests? Really accurate—like, lab-level accurate. Usually, tests from a trusted brand will be processed in CLIA-certified labs (aka the gold standard), using the same methods you’d find in a clinic. So you can trust the results without wondering if you messed something up at home.

How do I read my results?

You’ll get a clear notification when your results are ready—no confusing charts or science-y lingo. Just a straight-up answer: positive or negative.

If it’s positive, a licensed provider will help you figure out your treatment plan. You’re not left hanging, and you won’t have to Google “what now??” alone at midnight. You’ll be covered.

When to test for Chlamydia

Timing matters when it comes to testing for Chlamydia—but don’t stress, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

If you think you’ve been exposed, get tested ASAP. If you get a negative result, your provider might recommend that you wait about one to two weeks after the encounter to retake your test and double-check. That’s because Chlamydia has a short “window period”—basically, the time it takes for the infection to show up on a test. Testing too early might give you a false negative, so it’s a good idea to make extra sure.

But if you’re experiencing symptoms (like burning when you pee, unusual discharge, or pelvic pain), don’t wait—test ASAP.

You should also get tested:

• After unprotected sex with a new partner
• If your partner tests positive
• Every year as part of your routine sexual health check-in (especially if you’re under 25 or have multiple partners)

And remember: even if you feel fine, chlamydia often shows up without any symptoms. Regular testing keeps things clear, calm, and drama-free.

How long will I test positive for Chlamydia after treatment?

Chlamydia medications can be prescribed as a single dose with a seven-day abstinence or as a seven-day course of daily treatment. We’re sorry, but don’t have sex during these seven days and keep yourself out of action until you’re sure you’re not showing symptoms anymore. As always, make sure you take your medication as prescribed!

When taken correctly, your prescription Chlamydia meds can completely wipe out a bout of the infection. But, you might still test positive for up to four weeks after treatment, and should definitely use condoms during this time to avoid getting infected all over again (no thanks). Your doctor may also offer prescription treatment to your partner to help ensure they’re also Chlamydia-free and that you do not become re-infected.

It’s a good idea to get retested after three months (even if you feel fine), just to make sure that everything is back in balance and as it should be.

How can I avoid getting Chlamydia?

Prevention is better than a cure, right?

If you’ve just had unprotected sex and are worried you’ve been exposed to Gonorrhea or Chlamydia… Good news: a prescription prophylactic antibiotic for STI prevention actually exists. DoxyPEP is a prescription antibiotic that can help reduce your risk of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis if you swig it within 72 hours (three days) of having unprotected sex.

BUT (yes, there’s a but), even with DoxyPEP on your side, the only way to 100% protect yourself from Chlamydia (and other STIs) is to abstain from sex altogether (and we mean completely—no oral, anal, or vaginal sex).

On the other hand, latex condoms are very effective at helping avoid transmission, and practicing monogamy with a tested, trusted partner can also do wonders to reduce your risk. Even though Chlamydia meds are easy to take, practicing safe (but still fun) sex is your best bet to avoid getting infected or infecting anyone else.

How to treat Chlamydia

Okay, so you’ve tested positive—now what?

First of all, deep breath. You’re gonna be fine.

You’ve got options, and they don’t have to involve awkward convos or long waits at the clinic. Thanks to the Internet, you can skip the “so... I need to talk about an STI” part and go straight to getting help. Telehealth services can get you connected to a licensed provider really quickly, and you can even get your prescription meds delivered to your door.

Once you’ve started your meds, it’s important to take the full course—even if you’re feeling better halfway through. You may also want to let your recent partners know so they can get tested too (not fun—but so important).

Wrap it up to avoid the worry

Let’s be real: talking about STIs is always a little awkward, but taking care of your sexual health shouldn’t be.

Whether you’re dealing with symptoms, tracking down answers after a hookup, or just staying on top of your regular check-ins, testing for chlamydia is a smart move—and with at-home options like Wisp, it’s also super easy.

Your body deserves care, clarity, and confidence. So skip the shame, ditch the “should I or shouldn’t I?” spiral, and handle your health on your terms. Wisp makes it discreet, quick, and judgment-free—just like it should be.

Ready to take charge of your sexual health? Order your at-home STD test from Wisp and get the peace of mind you deserve.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ):

How can I test myself for Chlamydia at home?

Super easily, actually. You can often order your at-home chlamydia test online—no awkward waiting rooms required. Once your kit arrives, you’ll follow simple instructions to collect your sample (usually a urine sample or swab), pop it in the prepaid envelope, and send it back to the lab. If you happen to test positive, a real medical provider will review your results and get back to you.

What are three warning signs or symptoms of Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is sneaky—most people don’t have any symptoms at all. But if your body is throwing up signals, they might include a burning sensation when you pee, unusual discharge from the vagina or penis, and pelvic pain or discomfort during sex. If anything feels off, it’s always a good idea to check in with a test.

How accurate are home Chlamydia tests?

Many at-home STI tests are reviewed by medical professionals and processed in certified labs—so yes, they’re legit accurate when used correctly. Just follow the instructions carefully and make sure you’re testing at the right time (aka after the incubation period) to get the most reliable results.

Can I buy an over-the-counter Chlamydia test?

Not quite. While you can’t pick up a chlamydia test next to your cough drops at the pharmacy just yet, you can order a test online and take it from the comfort of your couch.

This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided here.