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Screening for Chlamydia

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Screening for Chlamydia

The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are given to people without current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.

Screening Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual screening for:

  • Sexually active women age 25 or younger
  • Sexually active women over age 25 with new or more than one sex partner
  • Men who have sex with men

Pregnant people should be screened:

  • At the first prenatal visit
  • Again during the third trimester if they are under 25 years old and/or are at high risk for getting chlamydia

Sexually active young men and women should consider screening for all sexually transmitted infections , although there is no specific guideline.

References

  • Chlamydia—CDC detailed fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/STDFact-chlamydia-detailed.htm.
  • Chlamydia genital infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chlamydia-genital-infection.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm.

Contributors

  • Elizabeth Margaret Prusak, MD
Last Updated:
2022-12-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.