Chlamydia Screening

In the United States, Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD), particularly among sexually active adolescents and young adults. In 2006, over one million cases of Chlamydia were reported, and it is estimated that more than 2 million people ages 14-39 in the U.S. are infected.¹  If not detected and treated, Chlamydia can lead to pelvic infection, infertility and tubal pregnancies in women, and increases risk for HIV infection.² Babies born to women infected with Chlamydia can get infections in their eyes and respiratory tracts, and some evidence suggests that Chlamydia can cause early delivery in pregnant women.³ The CDC recommends that sexually active women under the age of 25 be screened for Chlamydia yearly. Screening for Chlamydia is also recommended for older women in high-risk categories, including those who have a new partner or multiple partners, and all pregnant women.⁴ States can expand access to this key preventive screening by requiring coverage in private insurance.