Chlamydia testing

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the UK

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that affects men and women. You do not need to have had lots of sexual partners to get chlamydia. You may not know you have it as it often does not have any symptoms, and if left untreated, it may lead to infertility.

You can get Chlamydia if you have unprotected vaginal, anal, oral sex or by sharing sex toys with someone who already has it. A pregnant woman can also pass the infection to her baby.

Get tested to find out if you have Chlamydia, it is easily treated with antibiotics.

How can I prevent infection?

Always use condoms with sexual partners to reduce risk of infection. Get tested when you have a new sexual partner or have a test every year.

Get tested

If you are 16 and over order a free Chlamydia test by post. The test is a quick urine test (for men and women) and there is also a self vaginal swab test (for women only).

If you are under 16 make an appointment to see your GP or an appointment at your local sexual health clinic 0300 200 2016

To further information on sexual health services, visit Let's talk about it.

What happens after the test?

You will be contacted confidentiality by a member of staff from the sexual health service. They will contact only you using the method(s) that you have identified on the test (telephone, text, email or by post).

If you have Chlamydia you and your partners will be treated with a free course of antibiotics. Partners need to be treated in order to reduce the risk of reinfection. The sexual health service can help contact your partners.