Chlamydia trachomatis PCR - cervical canal smear

Without recognition of chlamydiosis and treatment, the bacterium can cause obstruction of the fallopian tubes, resulting in decreased fertility and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Chlamydiosis is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. In about three-quarters of infected women, the condition causes no symptoms; in the remainder, symptoms in the form of abnormal discharge from the genital tract or burning during urination appear within one to three weeks of exposure to the bacterium. If the infection has spread from the cervix to the fallopian tubes, some women experience nausea, fever, lower abdominal and back pain, painful intercourse or intermenstrual bleeding. However, the infection can also be asymptomatic.

Without recognition of Chlamydiosis and treatment, the infection can cause obstruction of the fallopian tubes, with a consequent decrease in fertility and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. It is for this reason that patients of infertility clinics are advised to undergo a test to detect Chlamydia DNA in the cervical canal. To do this, a swab is taken from the cervix and then analysed under a microscope.

Testing for Chlamydia trachomatis infection is carried out just before menstruation or after cessation of bleeding. At least three weeks must have passed since any treatment with an oral antibiotic. If the patient has been on a gynaecological examination or vaginal ultrasound, the swab can be taken after a day off. It is recommended that the woman does not urinate for at least two hours before the examination.

Attention!

The waiting time for a Chlamydia trachomatis result is usually around 10-14 working days, but as a result of the pandemic, the result of this test may be available within 30 working days.