Getting tested for chlamydia

The only way to find out if you have chlamydia is to get tested. You can get tested whether or not you have symptoms.

If you live in England, you're under 25 and you're sexually active, it is recommended that you get tested every year or when you change sexual partner, as you're more likely to catch chlamydia.

Whatdoes the chlamydia test involve?

The recommended tests for chlamydiaare simple, painless and generally very reliable.

Theyinvolve sending a sample of cells to a laboratory for analysis.You don'tnecessarily have to be examined by a doctor or nurse first and can often collect the sample yourself.

There are two main ways the sample can be collected:

• using a swab a small cotton bud isgently wiped overthe area that might be infected, such as inside the vagina or inside the anus
• urinating into a container this shouldideally be done after at leastone or twohours since you last urinated

Men will usually be asked toprovide a urine sample, while women will usuallybe asked to either swab inside their vagina or provide a urine sample.

The results willnormally be available after 7 to 10 days. If there's a high chance you have chlamydia for example, you have symptoms of the infection or your partner has been diagnosed withit and you've had unprotected sex with themyou mightstart treatment before you get your results.

You should consider getting tested for chlamydia if:

• you or your partner have any symptoms of chlamydia
• you've had unprotected sex with a new partner
• a condom splits while you've having sex
• you or your partner have had unprotected sex with other people
• you think you could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• a sexual partner tells you they have an STI
• you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy

If you're under 25 years of age and sexually active, getting tested every year or when you change sexual partner is recommended because you're more likely to catch chlamydia.

If you have chlamydia, you also should be offered another test aroundthree months after being treated. This is because young adults who test positive for chlamydia are at increased risk of catching it again.

Where can I get a chlamydia test?

Youcan get a free,confidential chlamydia test at:

• a sexual health clinic
• a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic
• your GP surgery
• most contraceptive clinics

You can go to whichever place is the most comfortable and convenient for you.Search for your nearest sexual health service and read about what happens atan STI clinic .

You can also buy chlamydia testing kits to do at home, but these aren't always very accurate. If you're considering using one of these tests, speak to your pharmacist or GP for advice.

Young people under 25 years of age can get tested as part of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP). This is often in places such as pharmacies, colleges and youth centres.

In some areas, young people can order a postal testing kit online as part of the NCSP.Search for free online tests for under 25s to see if this is available in your area.