How to test for chlamydia: a complete guide for UK patients

DoktorABC editorial team

Accurate, up-to-date health information written by our editorial team and reviewed by UK-registered prescribers.

Why getting tested matters

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the UK, and the majority of people who have it are asymptomatic. Without testing, the infection can go undetected for months or years, during which time it can cause serious complications including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men, and can be passed unknowingly to sexual partners.

Testing is the only way to know if you definitely have chlamydia or not. It is simple, quick, and in most cases, an entirely painless process that does not require a physical examination.

Testing options in the UK

There are several routes to chlamydia testing in the UK, and the most appropriate option depends on your individual circumstances, location, and preferences. All of the following are legitimate and widely used pathways.

NHS sexual health clinics

Sexual health clinics, sometimes called GUM clinics or contraception and sexual health (CASH) services, offer free, confidential chlamydia testing without the need for a GP referral. You do not need to be registered with a local GP to use them. Testing at a sexual health clinic also allows a clinician to assess whether testing at additional sites (throat or rectum) may be appropriate, depending on your sexual history.

NHS home test kits

The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) in England provides free home testing kits for eligible groups, particularly sexually active people under 25. Kits can be ordered online through the NHS or collected from pharmacies, GP surgeries, and other community settings. Availability varies by region.

GP surgery

Your GP can arrange a chlamydia test, either by providing a sample collection kit at the surgery or by referring you to a local sexual health service. This is a suitable option for people who prefer to go through their GP or who have symptoms that warrant a broader clinical assessment alongside testing.

Private and online home test kits

Private home testing kits are available to purchase online and from some pharmacies. These allow you to collect a sample at home and return it to a laboratory by post. Results are typically provided online or by text or email. Private testing may suit those who prefer additional convenience, faster turnaround, or greater discretion, though it involves a cost that NHS testing does not.

Pharmacy testing

Some pharmacies offer chlamydia testing services, either through a consultation with a pharmacist or by providing a self-collection kit. Availability varies between pharmacies and regions.

How a chlamydia test works

Chlamydia testing is straightforward and does not involve a physical examination in most cases. The two most common sample types are a urine sample and a self-taken swab.

• Urine sample: For most men, and as an alternative for women, chlamydia can be detected from a urine sample. You are asked to provide a small amount of urine in a sterile container, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. For the most accurate result, it is generally recommended to avoid urinating for at least one hour before providing the sample.
• Self-taken swab: Women are often offered or advised to use a self-taken vaginal swab, as this can produce more reliable results than a urine sample for detecting chlamydia in the cervix. The swab is a small, soft tip on a thin stick, inserted a short distance into the vagina and rotated briefly. The process takes only a few seconds and is not painful.

For oral or rectal chlamydia, a throat or rectal swab is required respectively. These are taken by a clinician at a sexual health clinic, as self-taken swabs are not routinely used for these sites in home testing kits.

How at-home test kits work

NHS and private home test kits are designed to be simple and discreet. The process typically involves the following steps.

1. Order or collect your kit. NHS kits for eligible groups can be ordered online or collected from designated collection points. Private kits can be ordered online and delivered to your home.
2. Read the instructions carefully before collecting your sample, as the specific requirements vary between kits.
3. Collect your sample at home, following the instructions provided. This will typically involve a urine sample, a self-taken swab, or both.
4. Return the sample to the laboratory using the prepaid envelope or packaging included with the kit. Some private providers offer drop-off points as an alternative to posting.
5. Receive your result by text, email, or through an online portal, depending on the provider. Contact is also made if a result requires follow-up.

If you receive a positive result from a home test kit, a clinician will typically make contact to discuss treatment and next steps.

Who should get tested?

NHS guidance recommends chlamydia testing in the following circumstances.

• All sexually active people under 25, at least annually and with every new sexual partner
• Anyone who has symptoms consistent with chlamydia, including unusual discharge, pain when urinating, or pelvic discomfort
• Anyone whose sexual partner has tested positive for chlamydia, regardless of whether they have symptoms
• Anyone who has had unprotected sex with a new or casual partner
• Before starting a new sexual relationship, as part of routine sexual health care

Testing is also recommended at additional sites (throat, rectum) for anyone who has had oral or anal sex with a new or casual partner. Mention this to your sexual health clinician so the appropriate tests are arranged.

What happens after a positive result?

A positive chlamydia result does not require an in-person appointment in most cases, though a clinician will make contact to confirm the result and discuss next steps.

• Treatment: Chlamydia is treated with a short course of antibiotics, typically doxycycline taken twice daily for seven days, which is highly effective when the full course is completed. Treatment is available through NHS sexual health clinics, your GP, or via a regulated online prescribing service.
• Partner notification: You will be encouraged to inform recent sexual partners so they can be tested and treated where appropriate. Sexual health clinics can provide support with this process, including contact tracing services where you prefer not to make contact directly.
• Follow-up testing: BASHH guidance recommends a repeat test approximately three months after completing treatment, particularly if there is any risk of reinfection.

If you have received a positive result and want to understand your treatment options, see our chlamydia treatment page for information on how the online consultation and prescription process works.

Cost and accessibility

NHS chlamydia testing is free through sexual health clinics, via the National Chlamydia Screening Programme for eligible groups, and through GP referral. There is no cost to the patient for NHS testing, and services are confidential regardless of age.

Private and online home testing kits involve a purchase cost but offer additional convenience for those who prefer to test at home outside of NHS service hours, or who wish to receive results more quickly. Private testing does not replace NHS services, and the NHS pathway remains the most accessible and cost-effective route for most people.

Accuracy and window periods

Chlamydia tests are highly accurate when used correctly and at the appropriate time after exposure. However, testing too soon after a potential exposure may produce a negative result even if infection is present, as it can take time for the infection to be detectable.

The NHS recommends waiting for a period of time after potential exposure before testing, to ensure the most reliable result. For specific guidance on window periods, refer to the NHS website or speak to a sexual health clinician, as the recommended interval may vary depending on your circumstances and the type of test used.

Conclusion

Chlamydia testing is one of the simplest and most important steps you can take for your sexual health. Given that most infections cause no symptoms, the only way to know your status is to test. Testing is free through NHS services, widely available, and straightforward to access both in person and at home.

If you receive a positive result and want to explore treatment options, DoktorABC connects UK patients with licensed prescribers and GPhC-registered pharmacies for private access to chlamydia treatment, with a full medical assessment completed online.

FAQ

The DoktorABC medical advisory board

Dr. Roland Ruiken

Medical advisor, Norway

Dr. Viktor Simunovic

Medical advisor, Croatia

To the medical advisory board