Chlamydia test for men: what should you know?

A clinician may ask for a urine sample to check the urethra. If you have had receptive anal sex, rectal testing may be needed; after oral sex, a throat sample may be relevant. Tell the clinician about every type of contact without embarrassment, because a urine test alone may not assess another exposed site.

Chlamydia may cause burning when urinating, discharge from the penis, testicular discomfort, or rectal symptoms, but many people have no symptoms. A positive result means treatment is needed and recent partners should be assessed. A negative result may not answer a question about a body site that was not tested or an exposure that was too recent for the clinician's testing plan.

Ask the clinic how to prepare for the urine sample and whether you need to avoid urinating beforehand. Give accurate details about recent partners, contact type, symptoms, and any antibiotics already taken. Do not self-treat with leftover medication while waiting for results.

If the result is positive, take the prescribed antibiotic as directed and follow advice about avoiding sex until treatment instructions are complete. Current partners need confidential assessment and treatment guidance. If symptoms continue after treatment, return to the clinician rather than repeating medication on your own.

Get urgent help for sudden or severe testicular pain, a swollen testicle, fever with worsening genital pain, faintness, or severe lower-abdominal pain. Arrange prompt testing for penile discharge, painful urination, rectal pain or discharge, symptoms after a new partner, or notification that a partner has chlamydia.

Ask which body sites should be tested, when a result will be available, whether another test is needed after a recent exposure, and how partner notification works. Ask when sexual activity can safely resume if treatment is required.