This New Infographic Shows Exactly Why You Need To Get Tested

Testing and treating is the easy part, but leaving it undiagnosed can cause serious complications.

A new interactive infographic from the CDC shows the dangers of undiagnosed and untreated chlamydia infections.

Courtesy of the CDC

Chlamydia is a super common STI that can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

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You may experience symptoms like an abnormal discharge or burning with urination, but many people have no idea they have it.

Chlamydia is easy to test for and treat — but if left undiagnosed, it can lead to infertility and other serious complications.

Courtesy of the CDC

Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissue, according to the CDC. This can cause chronic pelvic pain and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancies (nonviable pregnancies that occur outside the uterus). Pregnant women with chlamydia infections are at risk of pre-term delivery and pneumonia in the newborn. Plus, untreated chlamydia may increase your risk of HIV.

Women should get a chlamydia test every year if you're under 25 or if you're over 25 but have a new partner or multiple partners.

Courtesy of the CDC

These are the CDC's recommendations regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity, or what genitals your partner has. If you're under 25 and have a vagina, you should get a test every year whether or not you switched partners, because chlamydia is so common in this age group and often totally symptomless. If you're 25 and older and you have a vagina, get tested in between sexual partners and every year if you have multiple partners.

And remember: this includes oral sex, anal sex, vaginal sex, and even the sharing of sex toys.

There is currently no recommendation for routine chlamydia screening in men who have sex with women, but if you may have been exposed, get tested and treated ASAP to avoid spreading it.

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Some states allow doctors to give a prescription or medication to a patient to give their partner if the patient has been diagnosed with chlamydia. That way they know the partner is treated and the patient won't risk reinfection. It's called expedited partner therapy and you can find out what's allowed in your state by checking out this map from the CDC.

If you're a man who has sex with men, you should be tested for chlamydia once a year — or more often if you have multiple partners.

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This recommendation also comes from the CDC.

So talk to your doctor about how often you need a chlamydia test, and head to a nearby clinic if you think you're at risk.

Alice Mongkongllite / Via buzzfeed.com

For more information on STIs, read our guide to getting tested here.