A chlamydia test is not routinely carried out when you have a smear test. Many women think that it is and may be falsely reassured if their smear test results are clear. However, the UK is well served by many genito-urinary medicine (GUM) and sexual health clinics. You can visit one of these clinics in complete confidentiality and have a free test for chlamydia.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK, and it affects both men and women. However, it has few noticeable symptoms, and most people don’t even realise they have it. To see a symptom of chlamydia infection click this link. Chlamydia affects both men and women, and the more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to catch it. However, having sex with just one person and not using a condom can still expose you to the infection.

The test for chlamydia can be carried out in a number of different ways. Testing isn’t normally painful, but it may be uncomfortable. Either a urine test is done or a swab is taken from the urethra (the tube where urine comes out), the cervix (entrance to the womb), rectum, throat or eye.

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics, and once it has cleared up, it won’t come back unless you are re-infected. Make sure you tell the doctor or nurse if there is any chance you could be pregnant, as this can affect antibiotic treatment. To avoid re-infection, your partner should be treated too.

If you have had unprotected sex, if you are under 25, or if you have changed your sexual partner recently, it is particularly important to be tested for chlamydia. If your doctor is unable to carry out the test at your local surgery, contact your genito-urinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic as soon as possible to make an appointment. Most large hospitals have a GUM or sexual health clinic. When you go there, your records will be kept in the clinic and no details are put on the hospital records. The information cannot even be shared with your doctor unless you give your permission.

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1. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)