Chlamydia screening
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK, particularly in those under 25. Because it is very common, regular testing (screening) is a normal and responsible part of looking after your health.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection and can be easily treated with antibiotics once it’s found. Most people don’t notice any symptoms at all. You can feel completely fine and have chlamydia, pass it on, and be affected by it without realising. That’s why testing matters, even if nothing feels wrong.
Having sex without a condom (vaginal, anal or oral) increases your risk of chlamydia and other STIs. If chlamydia is not treated, it can cause long-term sexual health problems. This is particularly important for women/people with a womb or ovaries, as it can lead to fertility problems (difficulty having a baby) in the future.
What is the National Chlamydia Screening Programme?
The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) is a public health programme focusing on reducing harms from untreated chlamydia infection. Opportunistic screening (a proactive offer of a chlamydia test to young people under 25 without symptoms) prioritises sexually active young women, and other people with a womb or ovaries, who are predominantly affected by the harmful effects of chlamydia.
How can I protect myself?
Anyone who is sexually active can get chlamydia, but there are simple ways to reduce your risk. You're most at risk if condoms are not used during sex (vaginal, anal, or oral). When used correctly, condoms are the only contraception method that prevents both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
You can reduce the chance of getting chlamydia and other STIs by:
- Using a condom every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex
- Not sharing sex toys or by covering them with a new condom between each person who uses them
- Testing regularly, especially with new partners
Using condoms every time is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and your partners from chlamydia. Find out how to put a condom on and how to choose the right size condom.
Why should I test for chlamydia?
If you have sex, regular testing is a normal part of looking after your sexual health, just like other health checks.
Testing allows you to:
- Reassure yourself if the result is negative (chlamydia not detected)
- Get quick treatment if it’s positive (chlamydia detected)
- Protect your current and future partners
- Avoid health problems later
Many people who test say it feels good to know, rather than worry or guess.
How can I test for chlamydia?
Getting tested is simple, painless, free and confidential.
You can do the test yourself by:
- Taking a vaginal swab, or
- Providing a urine sample (peeing in a pot)
Your sample is tested for both chlamydia and gonorrhoea, so one test checks for two infections. The test is quick and easy and can be completed in a few minutes.
When should I test for chlamydia?
You should test if you:
- Are sexually active - it's recommended to test at least once a year.
- Have a new partner or partners - now would be a good time to get started.
- Haven’t tested in over a year - you should test now.
Chlamydia can be passed on through different sexual activities. Use the sex activities and risk link to check your level of risk.
If there’s been a recent possible risk, test now or wait at least 2 weeks after the contact before testing. Even if you are not ready to test yet, you can get a chlamydia test kit now, so it’s ready for when you need it.
How do I get a chlamydia test?
Planning ahead helps. Even if you’re not ready to test today, you can order or collect a kit now so it’s ready when you need it.
You will need to make an appointment with your nearest iCaSH clinic. Clinic staff will make sure you are safe and supported with your sexual health choices.
Booking an appointment can feel daunting, but staff are used to these conversations and are there to help.
Whichever option you choose:
- Complete the test
- Post it back for free
- Get your result within about a week.
Option 1: Pick up a free postal kit
- Collect from a local outlet
- Available at youth and community organisations, pharmacies and GP practices
- Tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Free return envelope provided
Keep the instructions leaflet inside your kit – you’ll need it to track your result online.
Option 2: Order a free postal kit online
- Order via iCaSH Express Test
- Tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea
- Discreet, first class postal delivery
- Free return envelope provided.
Order a free postal kit online
- Order via iCaSH Express Test
- Tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea
- Discreet, first class postal delivery
- Free return envelope provided.
Complete the test, post back for free, and get your results within about a week.
How will I get my results?
Find out how you will receive your result, and what to do:
You’ll receive your result via a text message to your mobile phone within 7-10 days of returning your kit.
A negative result can be reassuring and give peace of mind.
Don’t panic. Chlamydia is very common and easy to treat with antibiotics. You’ll be contacted by a member of the iCaSH clinical team, who will support you by:
- Clearly explaining what the result means
- Arranging free, effective treatment
- Helping you inform any sexual partners from the last 3 months
- Offering advice to reduce the chance of getting it again.
Voicemails are discreet and simply ask you to call back. Treating chlamydia early helps prevent long-term health problems. You’ll be advised to take another test (re-test) 3-6 months after treatment, to check you haven’t been reinfected.
If it’s been more than 10 days since you returned your test:
- Call iCaSH on 0300 300 3030
- Select the option for your nearest clinic
To help staff find your result, it’s very important to tell them how you tested:
Did you pick up a kit from a community outlet?
- If you used a community outlet kit, you can also find your results online using the instructions leaflet in your kit: www.freetest.me/trac
Had you ordered a kit from iCaSH Express Test?
- If you completed an iCaSH Express Test, you can access your own patient portal to see your results.
Or were you tested by the Sexual Health Outreach and Prevention team?
I have symptoms, what should I do?
If you notice symptoms of an STI:
- Call iCaSH on 0300 300 3030
- Arrange an appointment as soon as possible
Acting early helps you feel better faster and protects others.
My partner has chlamydia - what should I do?
Call iCaSH on 0300 300 3030 to book an appointment. You’ll be offered:
- Free testing
- Free treatment
You’ll usually be given antibiotics without waiting for your test result. Avoid all sexual activity (vaginal, anal or oral) until 7 days after completing treatment.
Finishing treatment before sex helps stop the infection from passing back and forth.
