Because symptoms are not always present, you may be infected with chlamydia and not know it. You can be tested for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases at Student Health Services. To test for chlamydia, the physician will use a cotton swab to collect cells from your genitals. If present, symptoms may appear in a week to a month after infection. Seventy-five percent of persons with chlamydia may show no symptoms.
Men are more likely than women to show signs of infection.
Women can carry the bacteria for months or even years without knowing it. This makes screening very important. Infected persons can also transfer the infection to their eyes. When treated early, there are no long term consequences of chlamydia. Serious complications can result however when left untreated.