While both women and men worry about their sexual health, each sex has specific issues and needs to be addressed.
Regarding protection against STDs women and men are not equally at risk, this is not entirely new, doctors have known for quite some time that there is an imbalance between male-to-female and female-to-male infection transmission.
Women are the leading carriers of several different sexually transmitted infections, most notably, Chlamydia.
Statistically, women carry Chlamydia 3 times the rate of men.
In fact, Chlamydia is so prevalent among women it has been dubbed the "silent epidemic".
For this reason, doctors are asking all sexually active women to make relieving a Chlamydia test a priority.
The Basics Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States and in 75 percent of case involving women, it presents with no symptoms.
When an infected woman does experience symptoms, including fever, pain, painful/frequent urination, or abnormal vaginal discharge, it is incredibly easy to dismiss.
For women, common self misdiagnosis for Chlamydia and other STDs include, yeast infection and bladder/urinary tract infection.
Before visiting a health care professional, women should know that there I more than one type of Chlamydia test.
It is important to choose the test that will fit ones individual needs, yielding the most accurate results.
A nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) delivers the most accurate result.
Using a urine sample or the DNA of Chlamydia the test is less likely to give false-positive results.
Though not as sensitive as the NAAT a nucleic acid hybridization test delivers just as accurate results.
Those looking for quick results may choose either an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay or direct fluorescent antibody test.
Both tests look for antigen that trigger the immune system's fight against Chlamydia.
A final test is a Chlamydia culture, has a much more specific use.
Using a special cup a swab from the infected area is taken and examined under a microscope.
This test takes longer, cost more and must be performed in a lab.
Therefore, it is most appropriate for the determining of child sexual abuse or when treatment has previously failed.
Regardless of age or sexual lifestyle, all women should take a Chlamydia test.
Additionally, a Chlamydia test can be performed to determine if this particular infection is causing a certain set of symptoms.
Medical professionals also recommend a Chlamydia test for pregnant woman with high-risk sexual behaviors (i.
e.
unprotected sex with multiple partners), pelvic inflammatory disease, or a cervical infection.
It is important for women planning to become pregnant to know their status since Chlamydia can be transmitted to unborn babies.
In Preparation Before any type of intimate exam or test (i.
e.
pap smear) it is important for women to feel comfortable.
While much of this depends on the health care provider's bed-side manner, a more relaxed atmosphere may be created if the woman understands the procedure.
If a Chlamydia test calls for a direct sample do not douche or use vaginal creams/medicines.
If a urine sample is being tested do not urinate any later than two hours before the test.