Chlamydia Test: What to expect and how to read your results

Getting tested for chlamydia might sound a little nerve-racking, but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make for your health. Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that often doesn’t cause any symptoms—so the only way to know for sure if you have it is to get tested. Luckily, testing is quick, simple, and totally manageable. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, including what chlamydia is, who should get tested, how the test works, what your results mean, and what happens next.

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that’s passed through sexual contact—vaginal, anal, or oral. It's caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It’s one of the most commonly reported STIs in the United States, especially among young adults. According to the CDC, chlamydia affects over 1.6 million people each year in the U.S. alone.

Both men and women can get chlamydia, and it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated—like infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease. The good news? Chlamydia is 100% curable with antibiotics.

Why should you get a chlamydia test?

Even if you feel totally fine, you could still have chlamydia. That’s why regular STD testing is so important.

The CDC explains that you should get tested for chlamydia if:

• You’re sexually active and under age 25
• You have multiple or new sex partners
• You don’t always use condoms
• You’ve had a partner who tested positive for an STI
• You’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  

Statistically, if any of these are true for you, you could be at higher risk of getting chlamydia. Getting tested regularly helps protect not just your health but your partner’s health, too.

How do they test for chlamydia?

The process is easy and usually painless. Here are the most common testing methods:

• Urine test: When you provide a sample of your pee, common collection method for both men and women.
• Vaginal swab: When you or your provider collect a sample from inside the vagina.
• Urethral or rectal swab: These may be done for men or people who engage in anal sex.
  

You usually don’t need to do much to prepare — just avoid urinating for at least one hour before a urine test.

What should you expect during a chlamydia test?

If you’re going to an urgent care or clinic for a chlamydia test, here’s what a typical visit might look like:

• You’ll check in and fill out a quick health questionnaire.
• A healthcare provider will ask you a few questions about your symptoms and sexual history (no judgment — just honest answers help them provide the best care).
• Then, you’ll give a urine sample or have a quick swab done. That’s it!
  

Most appointments take 15–30 minutes, and staff members are trained to make the experience as comfortable and private as possible.

How long do chlamydia test results take?

It depends on the clinic, but most results are ready within 1–3 business days. Some places even offer rapid tests that give you results the same day.

You’ll typically receive your results through:

• A secure online portal
• A phone call or text
• Or from a follow-up visit, depending on where you were tested

How to read chlamydia test results

Let’s break down what your results mean:

• Negative result: No chlamydia bacteria were found. You’re in the clear!
• Positive result: Chlamydia was detected, and you’ll need a round of antibiotics.
  

Don’t panic if your result is positive — it’s very treatable. A provider will guide you through the next steps. Sometimes, results can be false positive (you don’t have it, but the test says you do) or false negative (you do have it, but the test misses it). This is rare, but if you have symptoms or a known exposure, your provider might suggest retesting. If you test positive, your partner(s) should get tested and treated, too. You may also need to retest after about 3 months to make sure it’s fully cleared.

What to do after you get your results

If your chlamydia test is positive:

• Take the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms go away
• Avoid sex until you and your partner(s) are treated
• Let your recent partners know — they need to get tested too
• Get retested in 3 months

If your chlamydia test is negative:

• Awesome! Keep protecting your health with regular STD testing
• Use condoms or other protection consistently
• Talk openly with your partners about STI testing

Feeling nervous about getting tested?

It’s totally normal to feel anxious before getting an STD test. You might worry about what the results could say or feel embarrassed about the process. But here’s the truth—getting tested is responsible, not shameful. Healthcare providers do these tests all the time, and they’re not there to judge you. They’re there to help you stay healthy.

If you’re feeling unsure, bring a friend for support, write down questions ahead of time, or choose a clinic that offers online booking and private testing options. Taking control of your sexual health is empowering — and once it’s done, you’ll be glad you didn’t put it off.

How to talk to your partner about STD testing

Not sure how to bring it up? Try something simple like:

• “I care about both of our health, so I think we should get tested together.”
• “I read that chlamydia often doesn’t have symptoms — let’s both get checked to be safe.”
  

These conversations might feel awkward at first, but they show mature and caring attitudes. Testing with your partner can even make you feel closer and more secure in your relationship.

Preventing chlamydia in the future

Once you’ve taken care of testing and treatment, prevention is your next best friend. Here’s how to reduce your risk:

• Use condoms or dental dams during sex
• Have open and honest conversations with your sexual partners about sexual health and testing
• Get tested regularly, especially with new partners
• Don’t share sex toys without cleaning them properly
  

Getting tested isn’t a one-time thing — it’s part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, just like going to the dentist or getting your annual physical.

Get tested for chlamydia at a clinic near you

Chlamydia testing is a simple step that can make a big difference in your health. If you think you might need a test — or if it’s just time for a check-up — book a visit through Solv. Use our site to find nearby clinics that offer STD testing for chlamydia, see real-time availability, and get care fast.