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Sexual health testing guide · 2026
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial STI worldwide and the most likely to cause damage while producing no symptoms at all.
Chlamydia trachomatis is detected by nucleic acid amplification testing (PCR), which is the recommended method and is far more sensitive than culture. Around 70–80% of infections in women and around half in men produce no symptoms, which is why screening after a new partner matters more than waiting for a problem. First-void urine is the standard sample for men; a self-collected vaginal swab is preferred for women. Rectal and pharyngeal swabs are needed where there has been receptive anal or oral sex. Treatment is a short antibiotic course, partners need treating, and untreated infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal infertility.
| Method | Nucleic acid amplification (PCR) — the recommended test |
|---|---|
| Sample (men) | First-void urine; add rectal or pharyngeal swab where relevant |
| Sample (women) | Self-collected vaginal swab, which outperforms urine |
| Detection window | Generally reliable from around 2 weeks after exposure |
| Test of cure | Not routine; when indicated, at least 3–4 weeks after treatment |
| Price | Listed on the MedEx STD and STI testing page and the lab test catalogue |
Most chlamydia infections cause no symptoms. When they do, they are easy to dismiss: mild discharge, stinging on passing urine, spotting between periods or after sex, or vague pelvic discomfort. Rectal infection may cause discomfort or discharge but frequently causes nothing at all.
The consequence of undetected infection is not the acute illness but the sequelae. In women, ascending infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which carries a risk of tubal damage, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. In men, epididymo-orchitis is less common but occurs. Reactive arthritis can follow in either sex.
Because of that, screening is recommended after a new partner and periodically for anyone with multiple partners, regardless of symptoms. Booking is confidential through MedEx private testing.
Men: first-void urine — the first 20–30 mL of the stream, ideally at least an hour after last passing urine. A mid-stream sample, the kind used for urine culture, is the wrong sample and reduces sensitivity.
Women: a self-collected vaginal swab is the preferred sample and performs as well as a clinician-collected cervical swab. Urine is less sensitive in women and should be a second choice.
Rectal and pharyngeal: required where there has been receptive anal or oral sex. A substantial share of rectal infections occur without any genital infection, so urine-only screening misses them entirely. Throat infections are usually asymptomatic.
Kits for self-collection are available through MedEx at-home STI kits, or collection can be arranged at a clinic or at home.
Confidential chlamydia testing — clinic, at home or self-collected kit.
Chlamydia is treated with a short course of antibiotics, prescribed after a positive result. Current international guidance favours doxycycline over single-dose azithromycin for most infections, particularly rectal infection, where cure rates with azithromycin are lower. Pregnancy requires a different regimen.
Two points are as important as the prescription itself:
Treatment can be arranged through a doctor consultation with medication delivered via MedEx medicine express where appropriate.
These are different things and are frequently confused.
Test of cure checks whether treatment worked. It is not routinely needed for uncomplicated genital chlamydia in non-pregnant adults who completed treatment and whose partners were treated. Where it is indicated — in pregnancy, with poor adherence, or with persistent symptoms — it must be delayed at least three to four weeks after treatment, because PCR can detect residual genetic material from dead organisms before then and return a false positive.
Retesting checks for reinfection, which is common. Guidance recommends retesting around three months after treatment, since a meaningful proportion of people are reinfected by an untreated partner or a new one.
Set a reminder at the time of treatment. It is the step most often skipped.
PCR testing is generally reliable from around two weeks after exposure. Testing earlier risks a false negative, so a repeat test may be advised if you test very early.
First-void urine for men – the first part of the stream, at least an hour after last passing urine. A self-collected vaginal swab for women, which is more sensitive than urine. Rectal and throat swabs where there has been receptive anal or oral sex.
Yes, and usually does. Around 70 to 80 percent of infections in women and roughly half in men produce no symptoms, which is why screening after a new partner matters.
Not routinely for uncomplicated genital infection in non-pregnant adults. Where it is indicated, it must be at least three to four weeks after treatment, because PCR can detect residual genetic material from dead organisms before then.
Yes, around three months later. Reinfection is common, most often from an untreated partner. Retesting for reinfection is different from a test of cure.
Yes. Partners from the preceding 60 days, or the most recent partner if longer ago, should be tested and treated. Untreated partners are the most common cause of apparent treatment failure.
Positive result? Treatment and partner advice on the same day.
Medical disclaimer: This article is general health information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Laboratory reference ranges differ between laboratories and results must be interpreted alongside your symptoms, medicines and medical history. Speak with a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or changing any treatment. Service details, inclusions and prices can change — confirm them with MedEx before booking.
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