Chlamydia

Who Should Get Tested?

We recommend routine Chlamydia screening for anyone sexually active, particularly if you fall into one of these groups: 

• Women under 25: Screening is advised on an annual basis because people in this age group are seriously at risk of Chlamydia. 
• Individuals over 25 with risk factors: If you have concurrent relationships, a new partner, or a partner who has an STI, we may recommend more frequent screening. 
• Pregnant women: Screening is generally performed as part of the standard antenatal care to avoid passing it on to your unborn baby. 
• Men who have sex with men: Testing at least twice a year, or 3-6 months apart, is appropriate if you have more than one sexual partner or you practice high-risk behavior. 
• People with HIV: Screening is one of the regular checkups for those living with HIV because they are at a higher risk of contracting STIs. 

Testing is equally necessary whether you have symptoms or not; it helps protect you and your sexual partners. 

Understanding Your Results

Once your test results are ready—usually within 24 hours—our team will guide you through the next steps. Here's what the results mean: 

• Positive result: A positive test confirms the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis. We will prescribe the appropriate antibiotics and advise you to inform all recent sexual partners so they can be tested and treated. It’s important to complete your full course of treatment and avoid sexual activity until at least seven days after finishing the medication to prevent re-infection or spreading the infection. 
• Negative result: If your test is negative but you still have symptoms, other conditions such as gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, or a urinary tract infection (UTI) may be responsible. We will explore further diagnostic options to identify the cause. 

Preventing Chlamydia and Other STIs

Though Chlamydia has a cure, prevention is always advisable. Here are some tips to effectively reduce your risk: 

• Using latex condoms correctly and every time when engaging in sexual intercourse. 
• Being sexually active with only one uninfected person at a time if you both are HIV-negative. 
• Testing frequently, mainly if the couple or one of the partners is promiscuous. 
• Not douching or using any other products in the vagina, as they interfere with the balance of bacteria. 

If you or your partner think you have a Chlamydia infection or wish to learn about your current sexual health, feel free to visit our Clinic. Our team of GPs and nurses is here to support and assist you in making the right choices about your well-being. 

Schedule your Chlamydia test today, and take the first step toward protecting yourself.