Bacterial
About Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is passed on through vaginal, anal or oral sex, and can also infect the eyes. Most people have no symptoms — in women it goes unnoticed in 70–80% of cases, which is why it is called the “silent epidemic”.
Even without symptoms it can damage the reproductive system. In women, untreated infection can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chronic pelvic pain, difficulty becoming pregnant and ectopic pregnancy. In men it can spread to the testicles (epididymitis).
Symptoms
What to Watch For
- Often no symptoms at all
- Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles (less common)
- Rectal pain, discharge or bleeding
Test Options
How CARIGEN Tests
- CT/NG — detects chlamydia and gonorrhea (panel of 2 STIs)
- QUAD Panel — panel of 4 STIs
- STI-9* — panel of 9 STIs
- STI-11+ — panel of 11 STIs
*The STI-9 test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Caribbean Genetics. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or local regulations.