Chlamydia test

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the UK, with up to one in ten sexually active young people thought to be infected. Chlamydia is passed from person to person through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex.

Up to 80% of infected women and 50% of infected men experience no symptoms. In women who do have symptoms, these may include a change in vaginal discharge, pain on urinating, pelvic pain or pain during sex, and bleeding in between periods or after sex. In infected men with symptoms these may include a penile discharge, pain on urinating or discomfort in the urethra/shaft of the penis and occasionally testicular swelling/pain.

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pain and arthritis. Fortunately, chlamydia can be easily detected through a simple chlamydia test, and, once identified, treatment is straightforward.

If you suspect you may have been at risk of being infected with chlamydia (for example, if you have had unprotected sex or because a partner has tested positive) you should get tested as soon as possible.

Where can I get a chlamydia test?

Any of our three sexual health clinics provide chlamydia tests free of charge to anyone who feels they may have been at risk of having contracted the infection. No GP referral is required. Should your test prove positive we provide chlamydia treatment free of charge.

What does a Chlamydia test involve?

Female chlamydia test

A doctor or nurse may take a swab from your cervix during an internal investigation. In some circumstances, an internal examination is not required and you just need to provide a urine sample. Before providing a urine sample you should not urinate for one hour.

Male chlamydia test

A doctor or nurse may take a swab from the urethra (opening at the tip of penis) during a genital examination. In some circumstances you just need to provide a urine sample. Before having either test you should not urinate for two hours.

Other chlamydia tests

• In men that have anal sex with other men a doctor or nurse may take a swab from inside the anus
• In men or women with conjuncitivitis a swab can be taken from the eyes

In most instances the chlamydia test is non-invasive—in some instances it can be minimally invasive and momentarily uncomfortable.