Testing for Chlamydia infection is very simple. There are two ways to test for Chlamydia infection:
- pass a small amount of urine into a sterile urine container
- have a swab taken from the cervix (in women) or the urethra (in men) and/ or from the rectum (back passage) if you have had unprotected anal sex
There can be two costs involved with a Chlamydia test. The first is the cost of seeing the GP or service itself. The second is the cost of the test which the laboratory charges. You can discuss this with your GP a or health professional beforehand.
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Treatment
Chlamydia infection can be cured with one dose of antibiotics. You will need a prescription from your doctor for antibiotics and this will be an additional cost when you go to the pharmacy. Sometimes doctors have free samples they can give you.
How would I feel?
You might be relieved, worried, angry or some other feeling. Talking to your doctor or health professional about how you feel when you are given the result can be very helpful.
What should I do?
Your doctor will recommend that you take some antibiotics to cure the infection. They will also advise you to avoid sexual intercourse for one week after you have finished taking the antibiotics. And it's likely that your doctor will also talk to you about condom use to prevent other STIs.
Who do I tell?
It is very important that you tell your sexual partner or partners. You can ask your doctor for advice about how to do this.
How will it affect my health?
This will depend on how you feel physically, and about yourself and your relationship/s. Talking about all of these issues can help your overall health and wellbeing.
