Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK.
It's passed on from one person to another through unprotected sex (sex without a condom) and is particularly common in sexually active teenagers and young adults.
If you live in England, are under 25 and are sexually active, it's recommended that you get tested for chlamydia every year or when you change sexual partner.
In 2013, more than 200,000 people tested positive for chlamydia in England. Almost 7 in every 10 people diagnosed with the condition were under 25 years old.
Getting tested for chlamydia
Testing for chlamydia is done with a urine test or a swab test. You don't always need a physical examination by a nurse or doctor.
Anyone can get a free and confidential chlamydia test at a sexual health clinic, a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or a GP surgery. Speak with one of our Nurses or ask at Reception for a test pack.
When should I get tested?
Don't delay getting tested if you think you might have chlamydia. Being diagnosed and treated as soon as possible will reduce your risk of developing any serious complications of chlamydia.
You can get a chlamydia test at any time, although you might be advised to repeat the test later on if it was less than two weeks since you had sex as the infection might not always be found in the early stages.
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 around three months after being treated. This is because young adults who test positive for chlamydia are at increased risk of catching it again.
For more information visit the NHS Choices Chlamydia Screening page.