VIDEO: Chlamydia testing

Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection, easily passed on through unprotected sex. If untreated, it can spread to the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to lasting pelvic pain, fertility problems and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb). In men, chlamydia can lead to painful infection in the testicles and possible reduced fertility.

Testing

Because chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK, regular testing is encouraged. Your local NHS has its own chlamydia test/testing process and tells us whether to offer you the NHS test, or BPAS' own test. The type of test used determines how you get your results (and if infection is found - how treatment is given and previous partners contacted).

BPAS tests for chlamydia using a swab (like a cotton bud) to collect cells from inside your vagina. We can also test for gonorrhoea using the same swab. It only takes a few seconds to get a sample and it doesn't hurt. You can use the swab yourself - see how to do this below. If you are given an NHS test, it may be similar to the BPAS swab test described or may require a urine sample.

Treatment

Chlamydia is treated with a week long course of an antibiotic called doxycycline.  If you cannot take doxycyline, a 3 day course of a different antibiotic called azithromycin is used. To avoid re-infection your partner must also be treated.

If you are experiencing symptoms of chlamydia infection, your abortion treatment may be delayed for a week until the infection is treated.

How to collect a swab sample

You will be shown how to do this at the clinic.

 1.  Insert the swab about 5cm (2 inches) inside the vagina.

 2. Turn the swab in a gentle circular motion (rubbing it against the wall of the vagina) for about 30 seconds.

 3. Open the tube - take care not to spill the liquid inside or touch the swab against anything.

 4. Place the swab into the tube until the dark line on the swab lines up with the top of the tube.

 5. Lean the swab against the tube rim to break it off at the dark line. Discard the top of the swab.

 6. Replace the tube cap and return the sample to the BPAS staff member.

VIDEO: Gonorrhoea testing

Gonorrhoea is a common bacterial infection, easily passed on through unprotected sex. Untreated gonorrhoea can spread to the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can lead to lasting pelvic pain, fertility problems and ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb). In men, gonorrhoea can cause a painful infection in the testicles and prostate gland, and could reduce fertility.

Testing

The same swab is used to test for both gonorrhoea and chlamydia.

Treatment

Gonorrhoea is treated with a single dose of antibiotic tablets together with an antibiotic injection. To avoid re-infection your partner must also be treated. You will need to repeat your gonorrhoea test to make sure that the treatment was successful.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a viral infection that weakens the body's ability to fight illness. Although infection is not common it is still important to be tested because the earlier a diagnosis is made, the better the outcome is for those infected with HIV.

Once someone is infected with HIV the virus will remain in their body for the rest of their life. There is currently no cure for HIV but treatment can help most people with HIV to live much longer and feel well.

HIV is most often passed on during unprotected sex. It can also be passed on by sharing needles if injecting drugs or sharing drug-using equipment, and from mother to child during childbirth and breastfeeding.

Testing

A finger-prick test is used and you will be told the result straight away. Occasionally a larger sample of blood is taken for testing and the results are available in about a week. If your test results suggest an infection, we will arrange for specialist care for you within the NHS. 

Treatment

HIV is managed with medication known as Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). If you have had sex in the last 3 days (72 hours) with someone known to be HIV positive (or have been sexually assaulted), you can be given a short course of ART drugs (PEP) to help prevent infection. This should be sought as soon as possible from a GUM or Sexual Health Clinic or A&E department.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection passed on during sex and by skin contact with someone who has a sores or rash caused by syphilis. It can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy. Many years of untreated syphilis may cause serious damage to the heart, brain, bones, eyes and nervous system (and can be life threatening).

Testing

A blood sample is taken for testing.

Treatment

If your syphilis screen suggests an infection, you will be referred to your closest NHS GUM service for further testing and treatment. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics.