This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

Chlamydia is one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the United States. It is also one of the easiest to treat once it is found. The hard part is that it often causes no symptoms at all, so many people only learn about it through a routine test.

This guide explains the symptoms of chlamydia, who should be tested and how often, how the test works, whether chlamydia is curable, what chlamydia treatment looks like, and where to get tested in Los Angeles. It is written for every gender and orientation, and it uses plain language.

Key takeaways

The CDC says most people with chlamydia have no symptoms, so a test is the only way to know for sure.
Chlamydia is curable. A clinician prescribes antibiotics, and the CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) set out the recommended options.
The CDC and the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend yearly screening for sexually active women under 25. The CDC also recommends regular screening for other groups, covered below.
Testing is a simple urine or swab test. Results usually come back in days.
After treatment, the CDC recommends retesting at about 3 months, because repeat infection is common.
Partners need to be tested and treated too. California allows expedited partner therapy (EPT) for chlamydia.
In Los Angeles, the County Department of Public Health sexual health clinics offer STD testing at no patient charge, and minors 12 and older can consent to their own care.

What chlamydia is and why it matters in Los Angeles
Symptoms of chlamydia
Who should be tested, and how often
How chlamydia testing works
Is chlamydia curable? Chlamydia treatment explained
Free and low-cost testing options in Los Angeles
Privacy, minors and reporting in California
Sources

What chlamydia is and why it matters in Los Angeles

Chlamydia is an infection caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. The CDC says it spreads through vaginal, anal or oral sex, and it can pass from a pregnant person to a baby during birth. It can infect the genitals, the rectum and the throat.

Anyone who has had sex can get chlamydia. It has nothing to do with how many partners a person has had, their gender or their orientation. It is a common infection, and it is treatable.

Chlamydia by the numbers in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) reports that in 2024 there were 45,459 chlamydia cases, a rate of 493 per 100,000 people. That figure covers Los Angeles County excluding Long Beach and Pasadena, which run their own health departments, and the data are provisional.

For comparison, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports 171,281 cases statewide in 2024, a rate of 437.2 per 100,000. The county and state figures come from different sources, so compare them with care.

These are counts of diagnosed and reported cases. Because many infections have no symptoms and are never tested for, the true number of infections is likely higher. According to LA County DPH, chlamydia data come from laboratory reports.

Why finding it matters

Chlamydia is easy to treat, but the CDC says it can cause problems if it goes untreated. In people with a uterus, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause long-term pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and difficulty getting pregnant. In people with a penis, it can sometimes cause pain and swelling in the testicles.

Chlamydia can also pass to a newborn during delivery. The CDC notes it can cause eye infections and pneumonia in babies. That is one reason screening during pregnancy is recommended.

None of this is a reason for fear. It is a reason that a routine test is worth it, because finding chlamydia early lets a clinician treat it before complications develop.

Symptoms of chlamydia

The most important fact about the symptoms of chlamydia is that there often are none. The CDC says most people with chlamydia do not have symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may show up weeks after the infection began, or not at all.

Only a test can show whether chlamydia is present. Symptoms alone cannot confirm or rule it out, because other infections and conditions cause similar signs. A clinician can sort out what is going on.

Symptoms that can occur in people with a vagina

The CDC lists these possible signs:

Unusual vaginal discharge
A burning feeling when urinating
Bleeding between periods or after sex
Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

Pain in the lower belly, fever or pain during sex can be signs that an infection has reached the reproductive organs. Anyone with these symptoms should contact a clinician promptly.

Symptoms that can occur in people with a penis

Discharge from the penis
A burning feeling when urinating
Pain or swelling in one or both testicles, which is less common

Symptoms in the rectum and throat

Chlamydia can infect the rectum. The CDC says this can cause rectal pain, discharge or bleeding, although many rectal infections cause nothing noticeable.

Chlamydia can also infect the throat. The CDC says throat infections usually cause no symptoms. This is part of why testing is based on the kind of sex a person has, not only on how they feel.

When to see a clinician about symptoms

Any of the signs above is a good reason to book a visit. A clinician can test for chlamydia and for other infections that can look similar, such as gonorrhea. Testing for several infections at once is common and routine.

If a person has had a recent exposure, a clinician can also advise on the right timing for testing. The CDC notes that testing very soon after an exposure may not detect an infection that is still developing, so a clinician may suggest a repeat test. Ask the clinic what timing is right for your situation.

Who should be tested, and how often

Because chlamydia often has no symptoms, screening is built around who is more likely to be affected, not around who feels unwell. Screening means testing a person who has no symptoms.

Sexually active women under 25

The USPSTF recommends screening for chlamydia in all sexually active women 24 years or younger. The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) recommend yearly screening for sexually active women under 25. The reason is that younger women have the highest rates and are at risk of the complications described above.

Older women with higher chance of infection

The USPSTF also recommends screening for sexually active women 25 and older who are at increased risk. The CDC lists factors such as a new sex partner, more than one partner, a partner who has other partners, or a partner who has had an STI. A clinician can help decide how often is right.

Pregnant people

The CDC recommends that pregnant people under 25, and older pregnant people at increased risk, be screened at their first prenatal visit. The CDC also recommends a repeat test in the third trimester for those at higher risk. A prenatal care provider can explain which applies.

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men

The CDC recommends at least yearly screening for chlamydia for sexually active men who have sex with men, at each site of contact. That can mean a urine test, a rectal swab and a throat swab, depending on the kind of sex. The CDC suggests more frequent screening, every 3 to 6 months, for those at increased risk, such as people with multiple or anonymous partners.

Transgender and gender diverse people

The CDC advises that screening should be based on a person's current anatomy and sexual behaviors, not on gender identity. A person with a cervix, a penis or a rectum has the same screening considerations as anyone else with those body parts. A clinician with experience in trans health can help plan this.

People with HIV

The CDC recommends screening people with HIV for chlamydia at their first HIV care visit and at least yearly after that, with more frequent testing based on risk.

What about men who only have sex with women?

The USPSTF has said that evidence is not yet sufficient to recommend routine screening for men who have sex only with women. That is not the same as saying testing is unnecessary. Anyone with symptoms, a partner who tested positive, or concerns about an exposure can ask a clinician for a test at any time.

Anyone with symptoms or a partner who tested positive

Beyond routine screening, the CDC advises testing for anyone with symptoms and for anyone whose recent partner was diagnosed with chlamydia. A clinician may treat based on that exposure and test at the same visit.

How chlamydia testing works

Testing for chlamydia is quick and does not require a blood draw. The CDC recommends nucleic acid amplification tests, called NAATs, as the preferred way to detect chlamydia. A NAAT looks for the genetic material of the bacterium and is highly sensitive.

What samples are used

Urine: a first-catch urine sample is a common option for people with a penis.
Vaginal swab: the CDC says a vaginal swab is the preferred sample for people with a vagina. It can be collected by a clinician or by the person themselves in a private room.
Rectal swab: used when there has been receptive anal sex.
Throat swab: used when there has been oral sex.

A clinic may offer one site or several, depending on your history. Telling the clinician honestly about the kinds of sex you have helps them pick the right tests. They ask without judgment, since this is routine medical information.

A routine visit often includes more than one test

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are often tested together, since a single sample can be checked for both. Many clinics also offer HIV and syphilis testing at the same visit. If you have questions about which tests make sense, ask the clinician when you book.

Getting results

Timing varies by clinic. LA County DPH says results from its sexual health clinics are delivered through the LA Health Portal, usually within 2 to 10 business days. Other clinics have their own systems, so ask how and when you will hear back.

A negative result means the test did not detect chlamydia in the sample that was tested. If you were tested very soon after an exposure, a clinician may suggest testing again. A positive result means a clinician can start treatment, and the next section explains what that involves.

Is chlamydia curable? Chlamydia treatment explained

Yes. Chlamydia is curable. The CDC says it can be cured with antibiotics prescribed by a clinician. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, and bacterial STIs respond to the right antibiotic.

This is different from infections such as HIV, herpes and HPV, which are not curable but are treatable or manageable. Chlamydia belongs in the curable group.

What chlamydia treatment looks like

The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) list recommended antibiotic regimens. For most adults and adolescents, the CDC's preferred choice is the antibiotic doxycycline. The CDC lists other antibiotics as alternatives, and a different option is used during pregnancy. A clinician chooses the medicine that fits each person's health, allergies and situation.

The medicine, the amount and the length of treatment are decided by the prescriber. Always follow the instructions given to you and finish the whole prescription, even if you feel better.

Do not use leftover antibiotics or a friend's prescription. The wrong medicine can fail to cure chlamydia and can cause other problems.

What to expect after starting treatment

Symptoms, if there were any, often improve within days after treatment begins. The CDC advises avoiding sex until treatment is complete and any partners have also been treated. A clinician will tell you exactly how long to wait for your situation.

For most people, the CDC does not recommend a routine test to confirm the cure afterward. The exception is pregnancy, where a follow-up test about 4 weeks after treatment is recommended. Ask your clinician what applies to you.

Retesting at about 3 months

The CDC recommends that everyone treated for chlamydia be retested about 3 months after treatment. This is not because treatment usually fails. It is because getting infected again is common, often from an untreated partner or a new partner.

If a retest at 3 months is not possible, the CDC says to test whenever the person next visits a clinician within the following 12 months.

Partners and expedited partner therapy

Partners need care too. The CDC recommends that people who had sex with someone diagnosed with chlamydia in the previous 60 days be evaluated, tested and treated. If the person had no sex in that period, the most recent partner should be evaluated and treated.

If partners are not treated, they can pass the infection back, and the cycle repeats. Telling partners can feel hard. Many clinics, including the LA County DPH clinics, can help with this, and some health departments offer anonymous notification options. Ask your clinician what is available.

The CDC also describes expedited partner therapy, or EPT. With EPT, a clinician can give a patient a prescription or medicine for their partner, without examining the partner first. According to the CDC, EPT is permissible in California. The legal basis is California Health and Safety Code section 120582, which allows EPT for chlamydia, gonorrhea and other STIs the state health department identifies or the CDC recommends. The CDC says it is permissible in 49 states overall.

EPT is not a substitute for a partner's own medical visit. A partner who can see a clinician should still do so, since the visit can include testing for other infections. EPT is a helpful option when a partner cannot get in quickly. Ask your clinician whether it applies to you.

Doxy-PEP and chlamydia

In 2024 the CDC issued guidance on doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, often called doxy-PEP. It is a way for some people to lower their chance of getting bacterial STIs, including chlamydia, after sex. The CDC recommends that clinicians discuss it with gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, and with transgender women, who have had a bacterial STI in the past 12 months.

Doxy-PEP is a prescription decision made with a clinician. It is not for everyone, and it does not protect against every infection. The LA County DPH sexual health clinics list DoxyPEP among their services.

Other ways to lower your chance of getting chlamydia

Use condoms or dental dams for vaginal, anal and oral sex. The CDC says correct and consistent use lowers the chance of getting or passing chlamydia.
Test regularly based on the guidance above, and ask new partners about their last test.
Finish all treatment, and retest at about 3 months.
Make sure partners are tested and treated.

Free and low-cost testing options in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has several places that offer chlamydia testing at no charge or low cost. For a wider look at the options, see the guide to where to get tested for STDs in Los Angeles. The clinics below are the ones named by LA County DPH and the clinics themselves. Hours and services can change, so call before you go.

LA County DPH sexual health clinics

LA County DPH says its sexual health clinics provide STD testing and treatment at no patient charge. Insurance is billed if the patient has it, with no copay or coinsurance. DPH also says its clinics are open to everyone regardless of citizenship and that it will not report immigration status.

All DPH sexual health appointments go through one scheduling line at (213) 449-7009. DPH says telehealth visits are available by phone booking. Appointments are preferred, with limited walk-ins at the full-service clinics.

Central Health Center, 241 Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. A full-service clinic offering STD and HIV testing, PrEP, PEP, DoxyPEP and treatment. DPH lists registration hours Tuesday through Friday and says the clinic is closed Monday.
MLK Jr. Center for Public Health, 11833 S. Wilmington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90059. A full-service clinic with the same range of services. DPH uses a Los Angeles mailing address for this site.
Pacoima Health Center, 13300 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331. This site is screening only. DPH says people with symptoms or a possible exposure should book at another DPH clinic for evaluation and treatment.

Community clinics

Clinic	Address	What the sources say
Los Angeles LGBT Center, McDonald/Wright Building	1625 N. Schrader Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028	LA County lists walk-ins accepted and same-day appointments, Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm. Phone (323) 993-2997. The Center's page states PrEP care is free or low cost but does not state the cost of STI testing.
AHF Wellness Center, Western	1811 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027	AHF says testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV is free and no appointment is needed. LA County lists hours Tuesday to Friday 10am to 8pm and Saturday 9:30am to 5:30pm. Phone 1 (855) 783-2434.
APLA Health, Gleicher/Chen Health Center Annex (Baldwin Hills)	3741 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90016	APLA says its Out Here locations offer free or low-cost sexual health services. It directs patients to book an appointment. Phone (213) 201-5000.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles, STD services for youth aged 12 to 24	3250 Wilshire Blvd., 3rd Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010	Listed by LA County as an option for young people, weekdays. Phone 1 (323) 361-7550. Check with the clinic about cost and walk-in policy.
Watts Health Center	10300 Compton Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90002	Listed by LA County for STD screening and treatment. Phone 1 (323) 564-4331. Check with the clinic about cost and walk-in policy.

Where the clinic's own page does not list a price, ask when you call. The cost question is a common one, and front desk staff hear it every day.

Free home testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea

LA County DPH's Division of HIV and STD Programs runs a free home test program called I Know. It offers a vaginal-swab kit for people with a vagina aged 12 to 44 who live in Los Angeles County. According to the program, the kit, the lab test and the return postage are free, and results are available online or by phone. The program hotline is (800) 758-0880.

CDPH Office of AIDS has also run a mailed self-testing program called TakeMeHome, offering free kits for HIV, STIs and hepatitis C. Its current availability and eligibility should be confirmed on the program's own site.

Find more testing sites

The CDC runs a national directory at gettested.cdc.gov, where you can search by ZIP code for STD testing sites. LA County also runs an STD hotline for finding free testing at (800) 758-0880, and an HIV hotline at (800) 367-2437.

Tips for your visit

If you can, avoid urinating for about an hour before a urine test. Ask the clinic if it has specific instructions.
Tell the clinician which kinds of sex you have had, so they pick the right sample sites.
Ask about testing for gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV in the same visit.
Ask how you will receive results and whom to contact if you have questions.
If you are treated, ask when to retest and what to tell partners.

Privacy, minors and reporting in California

Minors can consent to their own care

Under California Family Code section 6926, a minor who is 12 or older may consent to medical care related to the diagnosis or treatment of an STI. The Guttmacher Institute lists no parental notification requirement for California. The statute also says parents or guardians are not liable for payment for this care.

LA County DPH says its clinics tell patients 12 and older that they can be tested and treated without their parents knowing. Young people may also want to ask the clinic about how results and billing are handled.

What gets reported

Some infections are reported to public health authorities. Under California's Title 17 regulations, laboratories must report chlamydia results to the local health department. According to LA County DPH, since October 2019 chlamydia is reportable by laboratories only, not by providers. Providers must report gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV.

Reporting helps health departments track trends and direct resources. Health departments keep reports confidential. Sometimes a health department staff member will contact a patient to offer help with partner notification, which is voluntary.

Immigration status

LA County DPH says its clinics are open to everyone regardless of citizenship and that DPH will not report immigration status. Other clinics set their own policies, so ask if this is a concern.

Next steps

If you are unsure whether to get tested, you can book a routine visit with one of the clinics above. A clinician can look at your age, your partners and the kinds of sex you have, and recommend a testing schedule. For another place to start, use the CDC directory at gettested.cdc.gov.

Chlamydia is common, curable and nothing to be ashamed of. A routine test is a normal part of taking care of your health.

Chlamydia: Symptoms, Testing and Treatment in Los Angeles