There are two kinds of laboratory tests to diagnose chlamydia. New tests use urine samples to detect small pieces of chlamydia nucleic acid. These are not yet widely available but are making testing much easier, faster, and less painful. Sexually active men and women can be exposed to chlamydia bacteria unknowingly via sexual contact with an infected person. The more sex partners a persons has, the greater the risk of chlamydia infection.
Babies born to infected mothers are also at risk.
Sexually active teenagers and young women are especially susceptible to chlamydia bacteria because of the characteristics of the cells that form the inner lining of the cervix. These cells are easily invaded by chlamydia bacteria. In young women, they are exposed on the outer part of the cervix, making them more vulnerable. The cells eventually recede inside the cervix as a woman matures. Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics.