Chlamydia Home Test Kit
What is chlamydia?
Let's discuss chlamydia. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection transmitted through mucous membranes during sexual contact. The infection can cause inflammation and, if left untreated, may lead to long-term infertility.
The challenge with chlamydia: it's often transmissible without symptoms. Chlamydia infections frequently occur without symptoms or with only mild symptoms, making it one of Germany's most common sexually transmitted infections.
- Chlamydia can infect the rectum (through anal sex)
- Chlamydia can infect the throat (through oral sex)
- It causes inflammation in the genital tract, urethra, and rectum
- The resulting mucous membrane inflammation makes HIV transmission easier
Infections often go unnoticed for extended periods. In people with vaginas, chlamydia can spread to the fallopian tubes, causing inflammation and potential infertility. In people with penises, chlamydia can spread from the urethra to the prostate and epididymis, causing inflammation.
Anyone with an active sex life involving multiple partners should consider regular chlamydia testing.
How Chlamydia Spreads and Its Symptoms
Causes
Chlamydia typically spreads through vaginal and anal sex. Sharing sex toys can also transmit the infection. Transmission occurs when your mucous membranes come into unprotected contact with the mucous membranes or body fluids of an infected partner.
Chlamydia can affect the mucous membranes of:
- Vagina, fallopian tubes
- Urethra
- Rectum
- Throat
Symptoms
Chlamydia infections are often asymptomatic. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Itching and urinary urgency
- Mucopurulent discharge
- Diarrhea-like symptoms
- Fever
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting between periods (if infection spreads to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and abdominal cavity)
- Testicular pain
When transmitted through oral sex, chlamydia can infect the throat but typically doesn't cause symptoms there and usually resolves within a few weeks.
When should you take a chlamydia test?
For reliable chlamydia detection, wait approximately 2-3 days after potential exposure (diagnostic window).
If you have an active sex life with multiple partners, regular chlamydia testing is recommended for your safety and to protect your sexual partners.
Types of Chlamydia Tests
Direct test procedure
This, the method we use, detects bacteria directly in collected samples. Laboratory analysis examines swabs or urine for bacterial genetic material. Also known as PCR testing, this is the most common and reliable detection method due to its high sensitivity.
Indirect test procedure
This method requires a blood sample to test for chlamydia antibodies. Antibodies remain detectable long after infection is cured. However, it can take several weeks before antibodies become detectable in blood. This method isn't suitable for diagnosing active infections requiring treatment.
How Chlamydia Testing Works
Modern testing methods can detect chlamydia bacteria within days of infection.
Two reliable methods detect chlamydia infection:
- Chlamydia urine test: Uses the first morning urine sample
- Chlamydia swab test: Uses vaginal, anal, or throat swabs
Not sure how to perform the test correctly? No problem! We provide detailed sample collection instructions.
Important note for pregnancy: Chlamydia testing is part of routine prenatal care!
Chlamydia Testing Costs and Options
Gynecologist or urologist
People with vaginas can receive free chlamydia testing at gynecologists until age 25, covered by health insurance. After 25, testing costs €10-20 per test.
General practitioner
General practitioners also offer chlamydia testing. However, health insurance only covers costs if sexual health risks are documented or symptoms are present.
Rapid test at home
You can usually get this chlamydia test at the pharmacy and carry it out at home. Unfortunately, this type of test is not as reliable in its results.
s.a.m health test
Also known as home testing with laboratory analysis. You perform the test at home and send samples to our laboratory, where specialist medical staff conduct analysis using the latest medical standards.
How can chlamydia be treated?
How is chlamydia treated? Chlamydia infections are treated with antibiotics, typically requiring a one-week course.
Good news: early detection and treatment can prevent long-term complications.
The initial consultation was extremely friendly and approachable. I felt comfortable immediately. Plus, it was €20 cheaper than my doctor's office.Survey Monkey