What is Chlamydia screening?
How do they test for Chlamydia? The test is FREE, simple and painless. You don't even have to be examined.
It's CONFIDENTIAL too which means we won't tell anyone you've been tested without your consent, not even your GP. Both men and women can provide a urine (wee) sample.
The test will only tell you if you have Chlamydia; it won't tell you about other infections. If you test negative for Chlamydia but are worried you may have another sexually transmitted infection then you can get testing and treatment free at the local GUM clinic.
If you think you have another infection, like gonorrhoea, then you'll need different tests - call the sexual health helpline for more information () or ask about other tests when you go for your screen.
You'll be asked to fill in a form - ask for help with this if you want. We need to have a way of contacting you with the result of the Chlamydia testing. This can be your mobile number, address or email. There are other questions on the form; you don't have to answer all of them if you don't want to, but it helps if you do.
You can order a Chlamydia test kit through the post if you prefer.
Getting Results
After you get screened, your result is sent from the laboratory to your local Chlamydia screening office. They will arrange for you (and only you) to be notified of your results either by text, e-mail, phone or post - you decide.
If you have Chlamydia
Chlamydia is easily treated with a single dose of antibiotics (rarely a longer course of antibiotics may be necessary). It is very important that your current sexual partner is also tested and treated.
Chlamydia is easily passed on through oral, vaginal or anal sex and it is most likely that he/she also has the infection. It is best to avoid sexual contact (not even using a condom) during your course of antibiotics or for seven days following treatment with a single dose of antibiotics. This is to prevent your partner re-infecting you and to prevent you passing on the infection to anyone else. Do not have sexual contact with your partner until he/she has also been treated.
Ex-partners may also need to be tested and treated and you may be asked to contact them - don't worry, the Chlamydia team will help you.
Being treated for Chlamydia does NOT protect you from getting it again. If you are having sex, why not have a test every 6 months for piece of mind.
Remember, if you change your partner, using a condom when you have sex reduces the risk of getting Chlamydia in the future.
What if I don't get treated?
Complications of the infection will occur:
- In men Chlamydia can spread to the testicles which will become hot and swollen and painful. This can reduce your ability to father children in the future.
- In women Chlamydia can spread to the fallopian tubes causing pelvic infection.
This will give you pain in the lower part of the abdomen and discomfort during intercourse. It can also lead to infertility (not able to become pregnant) in the future. If untreated in pregnancy the infection can pass from mother to baby and cause eye infections and pneumonia in the newborn. Do tell the doctor or nurse if you think you are pregnant so that an antibiotic can be used that is suitable and safe in pregnancy.
What if I do not have Chlamydia?
Great News! Follow the 'What can I do to stop getting Chlamydia?' steps below to stay clear.
If you develop any signs or symptoms, go and seek help as you may have another STI.
What can I do to stop getting Chlamydia?
- Use a condom every time you have sex to help prevent Chlamydia and other STI's, including HIV.
- Every time you have sex with someone new, get a Chlamydia test
- Have a Chlamydia test every year until you are 24
- Don't have any sex (oral, vaginal, anal or sex toys) for one week after you've been treated and after your partner(s) have been treated too.
