April is STI Awareness Month (Sexually Transmitted Infection)

Chlamydia Screening in Women

Did you know that chlamydia is the most-reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S.? It is caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis, which can be passed from person to person during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Infections can occur in the mouth, reproductive organs, urethra, and/or rectum. In women, the most common place for infection is the cervix (the opening of the uterus).

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to long-term health problems and affect the ability to get pregnant. Chlamydia can lie inactive in the body for many years causing a low-grade infection without symptoms. It can flare up and cause an infection with symptoms if you have another illness.

A yearly screening test is recommended for sexually active women 16 to 25 years old. A chlamydia test can be done on a urine sample (noninvasive) or on samples taken with a swab from the vagina, mouth, throat, rectum, or the area around the cervix. This routine preventive screening is painless and is a covered benefit. Please contact your provider for the test that is best for you.

Visit our Women’s Health webpage for more information. Please contact Member Services if you have any questions about coverage.

Cervical Cancer Screenings Save Lives

The American Cancer Society estimates that, in the U.S. for 2025, about 13,360 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed and approximately 4,320 people will die from cervical cancer.*

Getting regular screenings is very important because some early-stage cancers don’t have noticeable signs and symptoms, and catching cancer early often allows for more treatment options.

Visit our Women’s Health webpage for more information about cervical cancer, including signs, symptoms, and recommended screenings. Find out if you’re due for this important screening!

*Source: Cervical Cancer Statistics | Key Facts About Cervical Cancer | American Cancer Society