Healthier Scotland. Scottish Government
Chlamydia testing
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Why is testing for chlamydia important?
Chlamydia testing is very important because if left untreated, chlamydia infection can lead to other more serious problems - even if you are unaware of any symptoms at first.
In women, chlamydia may lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or fertility problems (difficulty in becoming pregnant).
If men are not treated, the infection may spread to the testicles and cause discomfort. These problems are rare, but the risk increases every time you get chlamydia.
Who should test for chlamydia?
All those under the age of 25 who are sexually active - and especially those under 20 - should test for chlamydia.
Sexually active under 25's should get a test at least once a year, and every time they change partner, to make sure they are not infected.
If you or your partner is worried that you may have chlamydia, see a doctor straight away or visit your nearest sexual health service.
Where can I get tested for chlamydia?
You can visit your local GP surgery, or a sexual health service (for example a family planning clinic, an STI clinic, Sexual Health or GUM clinic).
These are specialist clinics that deal with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
They are completely confidential, and you and your partner can ‘self-refer’ (that means you can go along without having to see your GP first).
Local pharmacists can also provide advice and testing facilities.
Some sexual health services and pharmacies provide free chlamydia testing kits.
Find your nearest sexual health service
What's involved in chlamydia testing?
Getting tested for chlamydia is painless, simple and straightforward. You will usually be asked to provide a urine sample for testing. Test results are usually available within 10 to 14 days.
If you have symptoms, the nurse or doctor may examine you and use a swab to take a sample of cells from the vagina or penis.
A swab looks a bit like a cotton bud, and collecting a sample only takes a few minutes. Although it is not painful, it may be a little uncomfortable for a moment.
Women who do not have any symptoms have a choice of providing a urine sample, or using a swab themselves to take a sample of cells from the entrance to the vagina.
If you would prefer to have a urine test rather than a swab test, let the doctor or nurse know.
Home testing kits for chlamydia
Some sexual health services provide free chlamydia testing kits that you can use yourself at home. This involves providing a sample of urine or a swab from the vagina, which you post or take back to the sexual health service for testing.
If you use a test kit, remember to follow the instructions carefully. If in doubt, seek advice from a pharmacist, GP or from the sexual health service where you got the kit.
If you test positive, your pharmacist, doctor or other health adviser will get in touch and advise you what to do next.
When will test results be available?
You should get your test results within 7 to 14 days. If your partner has tested positive, you might start treatment straight away.
How do I tell my partner if I test positive for chlamydia?
Some people can feel upset, angry, frightened or embarrassed about discussing sexually transmitted infections with their current or former partner(s).
If you do test positive for chlamydia, you need to tell anyone that you have had sex with in the last 3 to 6 months (or your last sexual partner before this time), so that they can also be tested.
Sexual health staff can help you by giving advice about who should be contacted and the best way to contact them. Your sexual health service can arrange, with your permission, a ‘contact slip’ to be given to your partner(s). This is called ‘partner notification’ or ‘contact tracing’.
The slip explains to the person that they may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection and that they should go for a check-up. The slip does not give your name, and your details will remain totally confidential.
Nobody can force you to tell your partner(s) about having a sexually transmitted infection, but it is strongly recommended. Left untested and untreated, an infection can lead to serious illness.
Read more about breaking bad news of sexually transmitted infections
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