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Where Can I Get Treated For Chlamydia For Free

Does The Nhs Provide Testing Too

“Chlamydia Information: Testing, Symptoms and Treatment” by getSTDtested.com

Yes you can get the chlamydia test on the NHS. You can get tested whether or not you have symptoms.

You can get tested at either one of the following and should choose the one you are most comfortable with:

  • A sexual health clinic
  • Most contraceptive or young peoples clinic
  • Some pharmacies
  • Abortion, antenatal or gynaecology services may also offer women a chlamydia test
  • Local councils also pay for free testing in men and women under the age of 25 in their area, as part of the NCSP they may also locally advertise outreach testing in places such as colleges, youth clubs or military bases

How soon after sex do I need to get the test? you can get tested straight away, but you may be advised to have another test after two weeks, as chlamydia is more difficult to detect in the early stage.

Can I do the test myself? yes, you dont necessarily need to be examined by a healthcare professional and you can usually collect the sample yourself.

Home testing if you dont want to visit your GP or a clinic, you can order a free NHS home self-testing kit. This is available online in certain areas from www.nhs.uk/. This may be quicker and easier.

What does the test involve? a urine or swab sample is needed. The swab is similar to a cotton bud but it is smaller and rounder. The swab is wiped over parts of your body that could be infected and it easily picks up a sample of cells or discharge.

Symptoms In The Throat

Chlamydia symptoms can sometimes appear in the throat, although this is uncommon. When it does occur, the time frame is likely to be similar to that of chlamydia infections of the genitals.

In people who experience symptoms, the main one is a persistent sore throat. A doctor may refer to a chlamydia infection in the throat as pharyngeal chlamydia.

Testing for chlamydia in the throat is not a common practice in STI testing, as it does not have approval from the Food and Drug Administration . However, if a person suspects that they have pharyngeal chlamydia, a doctor may take a swab from the throat.

A person can undergo testing for chlamydia at their:

  • doctors office
  • local health department
  • local planned parenthood center

A person can also order a chlamydia test online, take it at home, and then send it off for testing.

If people are at high risk of chlamydia, they may need screening for all types of chlamydia every 36 months.

At risk groups include people who have:

  • multiple or unknown sexual partners
  • sex in combination with illegal drug use
  • sexual partners who use illegal drugs or have multiple partners

7 days .

People should avoid having sex until their treatment is complete. If a person is experiencing symptoms even after the treatment, they should see a doctor.

People who menstruate should notice that their periods return to normal or that bleeding between periods stops by their next period.

There Are 6 Main Types Of Sti Tests

Blood test

Your doctor can test for the following by taking a blood sample from your finger or arm:

Generally, your doctor will wait until they have the results from all the STI tests performed to call you.

If you still havent heard back after a week, dont assume the test was negative. Give em a ring to learn your results.

Congrats! Youve made the decision to take control of your health and learn your current STI status. But where the heck should you go to get tested if youre on a budget or dont have health insurance?

Heres where to go and what to know.

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How Does The Test Work

Simply enter your postcode and date of birth to order your test kit.

The test kit includes either a pot for a urine sample or a swab, a form, safe packaging and a freepost envelope.

When your kit arrives, fill out the short form in capital letters. Fill in the label and stick it on the screw top bottle. Follow the instructions provided to take your sample and then post it off with your form in the freepost envelope.

Supply of swabs is currently limited as a result of coronavirus testing so some people who would normally receive a swab kit may receive a urine sample kit instead.

If you’re taking a urine sample, make sure you havent peed within the last one hour if you have, wait until later.

Regular tests help reduce the risk and spread of infection so keep testing!

How Do I Know If I Have Chlamydia

Where Can I Get Tested For Chlamydia For Free ...

You cant tell if you have chlamydia just by the way you feel. The only way to know for sure if you have chlamydia is to get tested whether or not you have symptoms.

If youre showing any signs of chlamydia, you should get tested. Testing is also a good idea if youve had unprotected sex or if a partner has chlamydia . In general, people who are sexually active should get tested for STDs, including chlamydia, about once a year. If youre pregnant, get tested for chlamydia at your first prenatal visit. Want to know if you should be tested for chlamydia? Check out this quiz to find out.

Chlamydia testing is pretty easy and painless. The best part about getting tested for STDs? Once you get it over with, it can really put your mind at ease. And if you DO have chlamydia, its best to know right away so you can take medicine and get better as soon as possible.

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Chlamydia Cdc Fact Sheet

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease that can be easily cured. If left untreated, chlamydia can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant.

Basic Fact Sheet | Detailed Version

Basic fact sheets are presented in plain language for individuals with general questions about sexually transmitted diseases. The content here can be syndicated .

What Happens If I Dont Get Treated

The initial damage that chlamydia causes often goes unnoticed. However, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems.

If you are a woman, untreated chlamydia can spread to your uterus and fallopian tubes . This can cause pelvic inflammatory disease . PID often has no symptoms, however some women may have abdominal and pelvic pain. Even if it doesnt cause symptoms initially, PID can cause permanent damage to your reproductive system. PID can lead to long-term pelvic pain, inability to get pregnant, and potentially deadly ectopic pregnancy .

Men rarely have health problems linked to chlamydia. Infection sometimes spreads to the tube that carries sperm from the testicles, causing pain and fever. Rarely, chlamydia can prevent a man from being able to have children.

Read Also: Can You Catch Chlamydia Without Cheating

Can I Just Buy Treatment Without Testing

We dont advise you to do this.

Risk of unnecessary side effects chlamydia is treated by using antibiotics. Taking antibiotics can have its own drawbacks such as feeling or being sick or diarrhoea. This means that if you do not have chlamydia you are taking medicines which can cause side effects for no benefit at all.

Problem of over-using antibiotics also, taking antibiotics unnecessarily can cause bacteria to become resistant to the medicines. This means that future infections can become more difficult to treat. This doesnt just apply to you, it applies to everyone because bacteria become resistant across the whole of the human species. Its a very serious global health problem.

You could have a different STI it could be that you do have an STI but it isn’t chlamydia. Testing negative for chlamydia could mean you need to consider other STIs, or you can tested for more than 1 STI at once, using a extended STI test kit for example.

You might have a non-STI-related health problem the symptoms of chlamydia can be very similar to other conditions . If you have a test come back negative, you might need further investigations which can only be done by a doctor.

What Antibiotics Do You Get For Chlamydia

Oral Chlamydia or Mouth Chlamydia: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs. It can be treated easily if caught early. Some of the most recommended antibiotics used to treat chlamydia are azithromycin and doxycycline. Azithromycin is typically given as 2 tablets one time while doxycycline is given as 2 capsules a day for 7 days. These antibiotics are most effective if both partners have received treatment and have taken their prescription as directed.

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Parents Have A Role In Chlamydia Prevention

Parents can do two main things to help their kids avoid getting chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections , says Dombrowski. These two things are:

  • Talk openly. Parents can start by talking with their kids about sex and sexual health early, giving the kids accurate information she says. When having these conversations, dont try to frighten children into practicing abstinence or safe sex. Its pretty common for parents to use STIs to talk about what can happen if you have sex or unprotected sex. But using STIs as a scare tactic is not effective, she says. It just makes the kids feel more frightened, more stigmatized, and terrible if they really do get one.
  • Ensure access to condoms. Parents are often focused on preventing pregnancy, says Dombrowski, which can be achieved with various contraceptives besides condoms. Parents should also think about kids having access to condoms for the prevention of chlamydia and other STIs, she says. Parents can leave condoms lying around where kids will find them, without saying much of anything about the condoms, she suggests.
  • What Should I Do If I Think I Have Chlamydia

    If you think you have chlamydia, you need to see your doctor immediately and have a chlamydia test. You may have another STD with similar symptoms, and your doctor needs to know the exact STI you have so that you can get the best treatment.

    Chlamydia tests involve collecting a urine sample or swabbing the affected area. Your doctor will send the specimen to a lab for testing to see if you have chlamydia or another type of STI.

    If your test is positive for chlamydia, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic immediately.

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    Testing And Treating Sexual Partners

    If you test positive for chlamydia, it’s important that your current sexual partner and any other recent sexual partners you’ve had are also tested and treated.

    A specialist sexual health adviser can help you contact your recent sexual partners, or the clinic can contact them for you if you prefer.

    Either you or someone from the clinic can speak to them, or the clinic can send them a note to let them know they may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection .

    The note will suggest that they go for a check-up. It will not have your name on it, so your confidentiality will be protected.

    Page last reviewed: 01 September 2021 Next review due: 01 September 2024

    How To Clear Chlamydia Without Antibiotics

    Chlamydia Symptoms, Causes, Home Remedies and Prevention

    Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. While we are unable to recommend any treatment not recommended by the CDC in the treatment of chlamydia there are some who have utilized alternative treatment to reduce infection but does not cure it. These remedies include garlic, turmeric, or dieting.

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Stds:

    If youre consideringabortion as a solution to an unexpected pregnancy , its important to be tested for STDs before making a decision. Many women with STDs dont have any symptoms so they dont realize theyre infected. But women who undergo an abortion with an untreated STD are more likely to develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease following the abortion procedure. PID can lead to serious health issues including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, abscess formation and chronic pelvic pain. Make an appointment for free STD testing and treatment.

    Every year in the U.S. there are an estimated 19 million new STD infections and nearly half of all new STD cases occur in people ages 15 to 24. Many of the people who are infected dont experience any symptoms, so they may not know they have an STD. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for contracting an STD. Condom use can reduce but not eliminate your risk of contracting certain STDs. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to an STD or are experiencing symptoms, make an appointment for free STD testing and treatment.

    Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. Any sexually active person can be infected with Chlamydia. The greater the number of sex partners, the greater the risk of infection. Make an appointmentfor free STD testing & treatment.

    Why Do I Need To Get Tested For An Sti

    There are many reasons to test for a sexually transmissible infection .

    You can have an STI test any time if you just want to look after yourself and your partner/s.

    You should have an STI test at the following times:

    • if you and a new partner are beginning a sexual relationship
    • if you have had unprotected sex
    • if you think you may have an STI
    • if you just want a routine sexual health check
    • if a condom broke
    • if you are pregnant
    • if you have symptoms or just feel something is not right.

    If you have had sexual intercourse with someone new in the last two weeks, you may choose to go ahead and self-test now but you may need to repeat it in 2 weeks time if it is negative.

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    When To Speak With A Doctor

    STI tests are often a standard part of a gynecological exam or regular health checkup, but this is not always the case. With this in mind, anyone who believes they may have chlamydia should consider a test.

    One symptom of chlamydia is a burning sensation when urinating. A person experiencing this issue should contact a doctor, even if a home chlamydia test has returned a negative result.

    If a home test returns a positive result, individuals should consult their doctor to get confirmation.

    Chlamydia Treatment: Can Antibiotics Treat A Chlamydia Infection

    5 Things Your Doctor Needs You To Know About Chlamydia

    Chlamydia trachomatis is a widespread bacteria which usually causes infections of the female genitourinary tract. It is considered a sexually transmitted disease , but males develop the symptoms of chlamydia very rarely, due to the anatomical differences between male and female genitourinary systems.

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    Are Free Chlamydia Tests As Reliable As Paid Ones

    Yes, if they’re done correctly free tests are a safe and reliable method of testing as long as they are carried out properly. In fact, the free test kits in clinics and the paid home test kits are exactly the same. If you get tested for chlamydia in a GP or sexual health clinic, they will either do the test for you or give you clear instructions on how to do it yourself.

    The tests are quite accurate but, its not 100% guaranteed. False test results are usually caused by a mistake when taking the sample or even in the lab. This risk can be lowered if you follow either instructions given by your doctor or on the home test kits.

    What’s makes them less accurate? factors such as drugs or alcohol should not make the result of your chlamydia test less accurate. Being on your period also should not make the result of the test less accurate.

    If you are worried about a false result you can do the chlamydia test twice. If you get two results that are the same, then the result is almost guaranteed to be accurate. If you get tested for chlamydia at a GP or sexual health clinic, however, you are normally only offered one test.

    Minors Are Able To Consent To Sti Testing In All 50 States

    And no state requires that the provider notify guardians about this service.

    However, 18 states which you can find listed here allow doctors to inform guardians that a minor sought STI services. Find out what the laws in your state are, and talk with your provider about how your information might be shared.

    If you have questions like Do I have or What to do if , the healthcare provider doing the testing is your best bet.

    For more general information about STIs, check out:

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    What Are The Symptoms Of Chlamydia

    Like most STDs, chlamydia often does not show any symptoms. As a result, many people with chlamydia do not know it. The only way to know is to get tested.

    If symptoms do appear, they may include pain or burning while peeing and/or during sex, lower belly pain, swollen or tender testicles, or abnormal discharge from the vagina, penis or anus.

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    Free Chlamydia Postal Test Kits

    Chlamydia

    Chlamydia is very common, affects the 15-24 age group the most, and often goes untreated as it can have no symptoms.

    Testing for chlamydia is really easy: it just involves peeing in a pot or taking a swab and you can order a postal test kit online.

    Our online service is free and confidential, which means we wont share any details about your test. Youll get your results back within 10 working days, straight to your phone.

    Chlamydia can be treated very easily by taking a course of antibiotics. However if left untreated it can seriously affect your health in a number of ways:

    • It can cause infertility .
    • It can cause reactive arthritis which affects your joints – this can be painful and cause long-term joint problems.

    Find out if you’re eligible by entering your details on our order page. You need to be 16 or older to use this online ordering service. We’re currently able to offer this service in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Milton Keynes, Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk.

    If you live in certain areas you’ll also be offered a test for gonorrhoea.

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