National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP)
Understanding chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK, particularly in young people under 25. It is a bacterial infection which is easily treated with antibiotics.
Most people don’t get any symptoms, and you can feel completely fine, but it can still affect your body, and you can still pass it on.
If you have sex without using a condom (vaginal, anal or oral), you're at much greater risk of catching chlamydia or another STI.
Untreated chlamydia can lead to sexual health problems, particularly for people with a womb or ovaries. This can include infertility (difficulty having a baby) in the future.
I have symptoms what should I do?
If you think you have symptoms of an STI call iCaSH on 0300 300 3030 to arrange an appointment.
If you have sex, regular testing is a normal part of looking after your sexual health.
Getting tested is simple, painless, free and confidential.
You can do a test yourself using a vaginal swab or providing a urine sample (peeing in a pot). Your sample will be tested for both chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Test for chlamydia if you:
- are sexually active (you should test at least once a year)
- have a new partner/s
- haven't tested in over a year
Chlamydia can be passed on in several ways. Read more about sex activities and risk. If you are, test now or wait at least 2 weeks after the potential risk before testing.
Even if you are not ready to test yet, you can get a chlamydia test kit now, so it’s ready for when you need it.
Aged 13, 14 or 15
You will need to make an appointment with your nearest iCaSH clinic. The clinic staff will make sure you are safe and supported with your sexual health choices.
Aged 16 to 24
It’s easy to test for chlamydia. You have a couple of options to choose from.
Collect a free chlamydia postal kit
- Use the interactive map to pick up a kit from an outlet near you, including youth and community organisations, pharmacies and GP practices.
- Don’t forget to keep the information leaflet contained within your kit, it includes the tracking details you need to access your test result online.
Order a free STI postal kit online via iCaSH Express Test
- This routinely tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The kits are posted by Royal Mail (first class) and will arrive in discreet packaging. Read more advice and guidance about the iCaSH Express Test.
Whichever option you choose, post the kit (with your sample) for free and you should get your results within a week.
Aged 25 and over
You can order a free STI postal kit online via iCaSH Express Test, which routinely tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The kits are posted by Royal Mail (first class) and will arrive in discreet packaging. Read more advice and guidance about the iCaSH Express Test.
Complete your sample, post it in the pre-paid postage box provided and get your results within a week.
Getting your results
How you receive your results will depend on the test result.
This is sometimes referred to as a positive result.
You’ll be contacted by a member of the iCaSH clinical team who will provide you with:
- a clear explanation of what your results means
- easy ways to get free treatment
- help with contacting any sexual partner/s in the last 3 months (as they should also be informed, tested and treated)
- support to protect yourself/your partner/s going forwards
Any voicemail messages left by the iCaSH clinical team will be discrete and simply request that you call back on the number provided.
It's important not to panic. Chlamydia is very common and easily treated with antibiotics. Getting treated quickly prevents future health issues. Read more about understanding chlamydia.
You will be recommended to complete another test (re-test) 3 to 6 months after treatment, in case you have got chlamydia again (re-infected).
This is sometimes referred to as a negative result.
You will receive your result via text message to your mobile phone within 7 to 10 days after returning your testing kit.
Not received your results
If you haven’t received your results within 10 days of testing, call iCaSH on 0300 300 3030 and select the option for your nearest clinic.
To help the person who answers find your results, it’s very important you tell them how you tested from the 3 options below:
- Picked up your kit from a community outlet.
- Ordered your kit from iCaSH Express Test.
- Completed a test with a member of the iCaSH Outreach and Prevention Team.
If you picked up a kit from a community outlet, you can use the tracking details on the information leaflet within your kit to access your test results online.
If you completed an iCaSH Express Test, you can access your own patient portal to see your results.
Experiencing symptoms or think you may have chlamydia
If you think you have symptoms of an STI call iCaSH on 0300 300 3030 to arrange an appointment.
If a sexual partner has told you they have chlamydia, you should call iCaSH on 0300 300 3030 to arrange an appointment. You will be offered free testing and free treatment. You will be given antibiotics without waiting for your test results.
You should stop all sexual activity (vaginal, anal and oral) until after you have been treated (usually 7 days after taking your antibiotics).
How to avoid getting chlamydia
Anyone who's sexually active can get chlamydia.
You're most at risk if you do not use a condom when having sex (vaginal, anal or oral).
When used correctly, condoms are the only contraception method that prevent both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
C-Card Scheme
- Young people aged between 13 and 24 can get free condoms and lube via the C-Card Scheme.
Condoms by post
- If you are aged 16 and over, and live in Norfolk, you can order free condoms by post.
Use the iCaSH interactive map to find where to get emergency contraception.
You/your partner can access emergency contraception to stop you/them getting pregnant after unprotected vaginal sex. This includes sex without contraception (including condoms) or when contraception may not have worked.
Emergency contraception needs to be used within 3 to 5 days of having unprotected sex. The sooner emergency contraception is used, the more effective it is.
