Pharmacist-led screening in sexually transmitted infections: current ...
Don't Blindly Ignore It: Here's Why Your Eye Pain Might Actually Be An STI
Perhaps they should be called STeyes.
Sexually transmitted infections impact 1 in 5 people in the United States — and while symptoms in the nether regions are widely known, the eyes also provide a window to sexual health.
"Eye pain and redness is usually one of the initial first signs," Abbas Kanani, head pharmacist at the UK's Chemist Click, told the Sun.
"However, because this is common and can be [due] to a number of different reasons, it can be easily overlooked."
The nine most common signs of an STI in the eye are pain, redness, swelling, discharge, irritation, blurry vision, floating spots, sensitivity to light and sensitivity to touch.
Here are the ways some common STIs can present in the eyes.
Sexually transmitted infections impact 1 in 5 people in the United States. The eyes can be a window to your sexual health.Lenblr – stock.Adobe.Com ChlamydiaChlamydia is the most frequently reported STI in the US.
However, many people don't know they have chlamydia because many people don't have symptoms, or the symptoms they experience are very mild, according to Mayo Clinic.
Kanani explained that chlamydia can sometimes be found in eyes.
"Irritation, pain, swelling and discharge, which usually affects one eye only, could be signs of chlamydia in the eye," he said.
Eye chlamydia is highly contagious and can spread from "genital fluid to eye contact, or even eye to eye contact," Kanani said.
"It occurs when Chlamydia trachomatis — the bacteria that causes the infection — makes direct contact with the mucous membrane — the wet part of the eye," he explained.
"It is also known as chlamydia conjunctivitis, or ocular chlamydia. Symptoms of early-stage chlamydia eye infections can be slow to develop."
Chlamydia is the most frequently reported STI in the US. Symptoms can show up in the eyes.Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics, but left untreated it can cause a host of health issues such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, prostate gland infection, testicle infection, reactive arthritis, as well as ectopic pregnancy and infections in newborns, explained the Mayo Clinic.
"Doxycycline is the first-line treatment, as it is more effective. Tablets are usually taken orally," Kanani said.
"It is important to have an accurate diagnosis, because using eye drops for standard eye infections, not caused by chlamydia, will not help and can delay the recovery timeframe," he added. "It is important to finish any course of antibiotics that you are prescribed, to ensure the infection is completely treated. Most cases clear up within a few weeks."
Chlamydia is easily diagnosed by swabbing the affected area and can be prevented with condoms, regular screenings, and limiting sexual partners.
“Irritation, pain, swelling and discharge, which usually affects one eye only, could be signs of chlamydia in the eye,†Kanani stated. GonorrheaGonorrhea is the second-most commonly reported sexually transmitted disease in the country behind chlamydia.
While gonorrhea, caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a treatable infection, antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea are causing a public health crisis.
The common STI can cause several ocular disturbances.
"Both men and women can develop an infection, not only in the eyes but also in the rectum or throat, by having unprotected anal or oral sex," Kanani said.
"Adults can [contract] it if their eyes come in contact with infected fluids."
In addition to sensitivity to light, the infection can cause discharge, conjunctivitis, swelling of eye membranes, known as chemosis, and swelling of the lymph nodes.
Left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health problems in women such as infertility, scar tissue that blocks fallopian tubes, pelvic pain and ectopic pregnancy. In rare cases, the STI can spread to blood or joints. An infection of the tubes attached to the testicles can cause infertility in men, according to the CDC.
Regular sexual health screenings can prevent you from developing long-term or permanent damage from STIs. Wasan – stock.Adobe.Com SyphilisWhile far less common than chlamydia and gonorrhea, syphilis cases are on the rise. Last year, there was a 26% rise in cases.
Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, syphilis can cause genital, anal and mouth sores, and if it affects the eyes and is left untreated it can lead to blindness.
"If you notice floating spots in the field of vision, sensitivity to light and changes in vision such as blurry vision, this may be an indication that you have contracted ocular syphilis," Kanani said.
"If you think you may have an STI, including in the eye, you should seek treatment as soon as possible and inform recent sexual partners so that they can test too," he added.
If not treated, it can lead to heart damage, damage to the nervous system, and skin, bone, or liver tumors, according to Penn Medicine.
Beyond potential STIs, symptoms of diabetes can present in the eyes, and regular eye-doctor visits can also clue doctors in about your dementia risk.
The 8 Best At-Home Chlamydia Tests In 2023
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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than you may realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 people in the United States had an STI in 2018.
Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs that can infect all sexes. Over 1.6 million cases of chlamydia were reported to the CDC in 2021. While the number of reported infections has decreased since 2018, this is likely because the COVID-19 pandemic caused a reduction in regular testing.
People with chlamydia might not have symptoms, making it a silent infection that can threaten reproductive organs and cause extreme damage if undetected.
However, the disease is curable with medical attention, and testing is the first step.
When researching at-home chlamydia tests, we kept the following in mind to determine the best tests on the market:
Everlywell claims to have greater than 99% accuracy when it comes to this chlamydia and gonorrhea test.
If you test positive, a board certified physician in your state will contact you at no additional cost to discuss your results and prescribe medication.
Every lab Everlywell uses is Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified. This means the labs meet the standards to obtain both state and federal certifications. Learn more about Everlywell here.
Everlywell also offers:
LetsGetChecked has more than 30 testing options covering a range of issues, like diabetes, thyroid levels, and sexual health.
After placing your order, your test will arrive in discreet packaging. The Simple 2 test only requires a small urine sample taken first thing in the morning. Return your sample on the day of collection, and your results will be available 2–5 days after it reaches the lab.
If your test is positive, the LetsGetChecked medical team is available 24/7 to answer your questions. The team will call you to explain your results and provide treatment options. Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.
The company can test for 10 STIs with convenient at-home testing.
Testing options include:
Nurx provides three user-friendly kits that cover commonly contracted infections. The test kits include shipping, results, and unlimited messaging with Nurx medical professionals.
The Basics Covered Kit tests for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV. For those concerned about rectal or throat infections, we recommend taking the Healthy Woman Kit or Full Control Kit. They provide testing options for various parts of the body.
Since Nurx offers throat and anal swabs, the testing company may discover STIs you would otherwise miss.
Tests offered include:
Insurance typically covers most tests. But if you're uninsured, you have the option to pay the out-of-pocket cost. The test kit costs $75 with insurance, along with a $15 medical consultation fee. Learn more about Nurx.
Product detailsIf you're eager for your results, myLAB Box delivers answers within 2 to 5 days.
The at-home testing covers three testing areas and allows you to detect chlamydia of the genitals, mouth, and rectum. The urine and swab collection takes just 5 minutes and shipping to the lab is included.
MyLAB Box is certified by the CLIA and College of American Pathologists (CAP), making it a reliable testing company that meets nationwide standards.
If your result is positive, myLAB Box provides a free consultation with a physician who can help to answer any concerns you may have and provide a treatment plan.
The tests offered are:
In addition to various STD tests, QuestDirect also offers a pregnancy STD panel, making it a good choice for people wanting to become pregnant.
When you order a QuestDirect testing kit, you receive detailed collection instructions and everything you need to collect samples in the comfort of your own home.
For each test offered, there's also an additional $6 physician fee.
Tests offered:
Product detailsThis lab-based, at-home option has over 4,500 testing centers and an easy, online-test ordering interface. That means you don't need to sit in a waiting room to get a quick chlamydia test.
Results come back within 2 days and are completely confidential. You can order individual tests or choose to get a complete STI panel.
If you do receive a positive result, STD Check has physicians with whom you can discuss your results with. For a fee, they can also prescribe medications.
The tests offered are:
Product detailsThis quick, private STI testing option offers same-day testing. In some cases, the service can provide you with results in as little as 24 hours.
Tests are available to order discreetly online or over the phone. Testing is done in one of 4,000 Priority STD labs across the United States. The company also offers follow-up care counseling to those who want it.
Tests offered:
Product detailsLemonaid Health prides itself on its ability to save time and provide convenience. Rather than visit a doctor's office, you can visit the Lemonaid Health website to request a consultation with a medical professional.
Unlike other at-home tests, Lemonaid Health requires customers to visit Quest Diagnostics for chlamydia and gonorrhea testing.
The lab tests are processed within 3–5 business days, and results are shared through a confidential message on your Lemonaid Health account.
The low price point makes Lemonaid Health a cost-effective and convenient option for testing. Learn more about Lemonaid Health here.
Product detailsChlamydia is an STI contracted through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus.
The bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis, can be transferred without ejaculation or even penetration during sexual contact. For example, the bacteria can be transferred by sharing sex toys that have not been properly cleaned or covered with a new condom with each use. Or, getting semen or vaginal fluid in one's eye can also spread infection.
Babies can contract chlamydia during pregnancy if the birth parent lives with it, which could result in conditions like pneumonia and conjunctivitis.
Teens and young adults have the highest rates of chlamydia. These age groups account for two-thirds of new cases, according to data from the CDC.
The CDC also suggests young women are more prone to the infection, with 1 in 20 women between 14 and 24 years old estimated to have chlamydia.
However, men can also contract, carry, and transmit the disease to others.
RisksOne of the most significant dangers of chlamydia is its ability to go undetected. It might not cause visible side effects, but that doesn't mean it isn't dangerous. Its hidden threat can have lasting impacts.
The disease can affect people with vaginas by causing pelvic inflammatory disease, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancies, and potentially causing infertility. For those with penises, it can cause epididymitis and infertility.
SymptomsWhen symptoms are present, they can often take several weeks to appear.
Those with female reproductive systems who are experiencing chlamydia may notice:
Those with male reproductive systems who are experiencing chlamydia may notice:
Chlamydia's symptoms overlap with gonorrhea, another bacterial STI. This makes it hard to tell which infection you might be experiencing.
It's possible to have chlamydia and gonorrhea simultaneously, but one doesn't cause the other.
Getting tested is the only way to be sure you're STI-free. Just because you feel healthy doesn't mean you're infection-free.
The CDC recommends sexually active women under the age of 25 get screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea each year, regardless of symptoms.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, some factors that increase the risk of infection include:
To keep it simple: If you're having sex, you should regularly get tested for STIs. Getting tested can put your mind at ease and make you a more informed sexual partner.
You should also ask your partners for their status before engaging in sexual contact. While it may feel intimidating, asking can help you in the long run and relay a sign of respect for one another.
With so many options, you might be wondering how to choose the best at-home test for your needs. Here's what to consider:
PricingMore expensive tests may include testing for more than just one STI. Or the company may offer additional services, like post-testing counseling and free medication delivery, and they may even offer pregnancy tests.
Lab or self-collectionDo you prefer to do everything from home? Or do you like the idea of going in person to a lab? Not everyone is comfortable taking samples, after all.
Sometimes, in-person testing can be faster since you don't have to wait for a test to arrive in the mail.
Your symptomsIf you're not sure your symptoms are STI-related and you want to talk with a doctor in addition to getting testing, an in-person doctor's visit may be the best choice for you. A physical exam may be needed to get a diagnosis more quickly.
It's important to talk with a doctor if:
Some STI testing services also provide medical treatment for STIs, so you can get tested and receive treatment without setting foot in a doctor's office.
Still, if you have questions about STIs or want to talk about anything else related to sexual health, it's a good idea to talk with a doctor.
How often should I get tested?The CDC recommends that sexually active women younger than 25 years old get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with a new partner, multiple partners, or a partner with an STI should also get tested annually.
Sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea annually. In cases of frequent sexual encounters with multiple partners, the CDC recommends testing every 3–6 months.
If you're experiencing any symptoms of an STI, you should get tested immediately.
Are STI tests accurate?Data suggests that most STI tests are very accurate with a small margin of error. If used correctly, at-home tests can be as accurate and effective as in-office tests.
How long should I wait before getting an STI test?The incubation period for chlamydia is 7–21 days. If you've had sex with someone who has a positive test result, or if you've had a sexual encounter with a new partner, your results can be detected within the incubation period.
It's recommended to get tested 3 months after treatment to make sure you're in the clear.
Are at-home STI tests better or worse than in-person tests?While at-home tests are effective, in-office tests can remove factors, like poor sample collection, which can impact your results. In-office testing has the added benefit of evaluating and testing for other STIs as needed.
For people who are anxious to visit an office in person or have transportation issues, an at-home test can be a convenient step in getting treatment.
Are STI tests covered by insurance?Many insurance plans cover STI testing through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). There's a high chance you can get STI testing for free or at a reduced price with your health insurance.
Testing for STIs like HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are considered preventive health benefits that many plans cover under the ACA.
STI testing can also be free or low cost with Medicaid, Medicare, and other government programs. Check your state as well; they may have free or low cost STI testing available.
The coverage of at-home STI tests varies, so it's best to speak with your doctor or insurance company about your options. Some clinics, like Planned Parenthood health centers, provide free or low cost STI tests, depending on your income.
Chlamydia is a serious condition that can have long-term effects on the health of you and your sexual partners. STIs should be treated with seriousness and transparency.
It's wise to get tested regularly when you're sexually active to keep you and your partner(s) safe.
Getting tested is both healthy and responsible. An in-office test is a reliable way to learn if you have chlamydia or other STIs. But at-home testing is an accessible and fairly accurate way to get the answers you need.
Protect your health and peace of mind by making a plan to get tested in person or with a private at-home test.
Jillian Goltzman is a freelance journalist covering culture, social impact, wellness, and lifestyle. She's been published in various outlets, including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Fodor's Travel Guide. Outside of writing, Jillian is a public speaker who loves discussing the power of social media — something she spends too much time on. She enjoys reading, her houseplants, and cuddling with her corgi. Find her work on her website, blog, Twitter, and Instagram.
What If You Test Positive For Chlamydia And Your Partner Does Not?
Although chlamydia is highly contagious, it does not always transmit to a person's sexual partners. It is also possible to have a false-negative or false-positive test result.
Having more frequent sex with a partner who has chlamydia may increase a person's risk of contracting it. Despite this, a person with chlamydia can have frequent sex without the infection passing to their partner.
If a person takes a test too soon after exposure, they may have a false-negative result. They may need to repeat the test at a later date to get an accurate result.
Read on to learn why one partner may test negative for chlamydia when the other tests positive.
If one partner tests positive for chlamydia and the other does not, there are a few possible explanations:
Simply knowing that one partner is positive and the other is negative does not reveal anything about the status of the relationship. Having different test results does not necessarily mean that one partner has been unfaithful.
It also does not mean that the partner who tested negative is immune. They might eventually develop chlamydia or another sexually transmitted infection (STI).
A person will not contract chlamydia every time they have sex with someone with the infection. In a 2020 study, researchers developed a model for estimating how likely a person is to get chlamydia from a partner with the infection. Using two different sets of data, this model gave the following per-partnership transmission rates:
The study did not look at transmission rates between people of the same sex.
Chlamydia spreads through sexual contact with bodily fluids containing the bacteria. Some types of sexual activities that can spread chlamydia include:
The infection can also pass from a pregnant person to an infant during pregnancy or birth, so treatment during pregnancy is particularly important.
People with chlamydia often do not have symptoms. Being asymptomatic does not mean that a person does not have chlamydia.
A person with a history of recent exposure to chlamydia should undergo testing. They should act as though they have the infection until a healthcare professional tells them otherwise.
In some cases, a person may also have a false-negative test result. This can happen if they test too soon after exposure. For example, if a person tests the day after sex with a partner who has chlamydia, the bacteria may not have had the chance to grow to detectable levels.
It can take 5–14 days or more after exposure for a chlamydia test to be positive. Even when a person waits long enough, false negatives are fairly common.
A 2014 systematic review to update the United States Preventive Services Task Force guidelines for chlamydia screening suggests a false-negative rate in the range of 0–28%. However, the authors caution that the higher false-negative rates were due to study methodological limitations and may not indicate the actual false-negative rate.
Across all studies, regardless of study quality, the false-positive rate ranged from 0% to 2.9%.
This means that if one partner tests positive and the other tests negative, it is more likely that the negative partner has an inaccurate test result. In many cases, it makes sense to treat both partners even when just one tests positive.
Talking about STIs can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. If one person tests positive and their partner does not, they may worry about infidelity. It is important to know that having different test results does not definitively mean this is the case.
It can be helpful to discuss chlamydia with a healthcare professional to understand each partner's risk.
Some topics to talk about with one another include:
It can be confusing if one partner tests positive for chlamydia or another STI and the other does not. However, this can happen for many reasons, including false positives and false negatives.
Even the most contagious STIs do not transmit from one partner to another every time they have sex. It is important to discuss STI test results with a healthcare professional to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
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