What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is caused by a bacterium that can be spread by unprotected vaginal, penile, oral, or anal sexual intercourse. Chlamydia is often symptomless, with approximately 50% of men and 80 % of women showing no signs of infection. If symptoms are present, they may include discomfort in the genital area, a burning sensation when urinating and/or unusual discharge. There is more information on Chlamydia, as well a range of other STIs, available here.
What is the testing process?
The Better2Know Instant Chlamydia test is available in many of our clinics in Ireland, including Dublin, Cork and Galway. The test is confidential and anonymous. The test requires a simple swab sample. This will be a vaginal swab for a woman and a urethral swab for a man. These swabs can test for Chlamydia individually, or in combination with other tests that look for other STIs, such as Gonorrhoea. The Chlamydia Instant test is also included in our comprehensive Instant Six screen, our Instant Peace of Mind screen, and our Instant Four screen.
Chlamydia has an incubation period of 14 days so you should wait this time from any incident of concern before having this test. Better2Know also provides a range of testing options for Chlamydia. We can test using urine samples or throat and rectal swab samples, depending on where you think you may be carrying the infection. These tests will be run at our Laboratory so results will be ready in two days from when your sampe is received in the laboratory.
Why should I get tested?
As with most sexually transmitted infections, if Chlamydia is left untreated it increases the risk of contracting other STIs, including HIV. Long term, the infection can reduce fertility, prevent pregnancy, cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, and swollen testicles in men. As Chlamydia is often symptomless, it is possible for the infection to go undetected. Testing is the only way to be certain of your Chlamydia status, all the while protecting yourself and your current and future partners from further infection.
When will I receive my results?
Once collected, your swab sample is quickly mixed with a reagent solution and added to a test cassette. The test takes around 20 minutes to run, and results are provided to you before you leave the clinic.
What if my test is positive?
Should your Instant test return a positive result, Better2Know will provide you with a prescription at no extra cost. We can also assist you with further doctor consultations and referrals if necessary.
How can I make an appointment?
To book your Chlamydia Instant test, or to find out more about our other tests, clinics and services in Ireland, contact our experienced Patient Services team today on the number at the top of the page. Alternatively, click here to arrange your appointment online. You can use any name you like to book, we do not need to know your real name.