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Screening for Chlamydia

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The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are usually 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 (CDC) recommends testing for:

  • Sexually active women age 25 or younger
  • Older women with risk factors for chlamydial infections, such as those who have a new sex partner or multiple sex partners
  • All pregnant women
  • Men who have sex with men
  • People diagnosed with a different sexually transmitted disease

The CDC also suggests to consider screening sexually active young men in areas where chlamydia is common.

Revision Information

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.

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References

  • Chlamydia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/default.htm. Updated April 30, 2013. Accessed May 16, 2013.

  • Chlamydia genital infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated March 13, 2013. Accessed May 16, 2013.

  • Chlamydia fact sheet. US Department of Health and Human Services Women's Health website. Available at: hhttp://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/chlamydia.cfm. Updated July 8, 2011. Accessed May 16, 2013.

  • STD and pregnancy fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/STDFact-Pregnancy.htm . Updated February 27, 2012. Accessed May 16, 2013.

  • US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for chalmydial infection. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2007:147;128-134.

  • Workowski KA, Berman S, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010. MMWR. 2010;59(No. RR-12):1-110.

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