What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the world’s most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections. This infection is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia Trachomatis, and it is spread from person to person through unprotected sexual contact. You can develop a Chlamydia infection in your penis, vagina, rectum and in your throat.
What are the symptoms of a Chlamydia infection
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Stinging or burning sensation when urinating
- Bleeding after sex and / or between periods
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Pain or discomfort in the rectum
- Swollen testicles
- A sore throat
- Fever
- Feeling sick or nauseous
Why should I get tested for Chlamydia?
A chlamydia infection that remains undiagnosed and untreated can cause severe harm to your body. Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women which damages the fallopian tubes and uterus and can make you unable to bear children. This can lead to an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy which can be life threatening. In men, a chlamydia infection can damage the testicle leading to lower sperm count and decreased fertility.
A chlamydia infection can also increase your chances of catching other STI’s including HIV.
Why should I choose this Chlamydia IgG Antibody test?
- This test provides reliable and accurate results for Chlamydia even if you do not have any symptoms
- This test is suitable for men and women wanting to test for one of the leading causes of infertility
- This test just needs a blood sample
Can anyone take the Chlamydia IgG antibody test?
Following infection with the chlamydia bacteria, your immune system will start to make antibodies to help fight off the infection. The first type of antibodies made, will be IgM antibodies, but these will likely disappear within the first several weeks following infection. Your immune system will then switch to making IgG antibodies which will persist for life following a Chlamydia infection.
This blood test is designed for men and women who suspect they may have a Chlamydia infection in their urinary and reproductive tracts (urethra, vagina, penis). If you have any of the symptoms that indicate that you might have a Chlamydia bacterial infection, or if you have had sex with several partners and are unsure about their health status, please test straight away.
If you have no symptoms, we suggest that you wait 2 to 4 weeks from your last sexual exposure before you get tested.
What can I expect at the clinic?
The doctor or nurse at your chosen clinic will greet you when you arrive for your appointment. They will invite you into a private consultation room where they will explain the sample collection process to you. Your sample or samples will be collected quickly and sent to the laboratory the same day. As soon as your sample has been collected you are free to leave. However, if you have any questions your doctor or nurse will be happy to help or point you in the direction of the Better2Know patient services hotline.
What happens after my appointment?
As soon as your samples have been collected by your Better2Know clinician they will be sent to our accredited laboratory that day. Once your sample has arrived at our laboratory it will begin analysis immediately.
Your results will be reviewed by a Better2Know doctor and as soon as they are ready, they will be uploaded into your secure online patient area. Your results are usually ready within 2-5 working days from arrival at the laboratory.
The Better2Know patient services team will contact you via your preferred choice of email, SMS, or phone call as soon as all your results have been reported.
What if I test positive?
If you test positive for Chlamydia, your Better2Know doctor will help you access medication to treat the infection. You can also speak to one of Better2Know’s Sexual Health Advisors if you have any further questions or worries after receiving your results.
How do I book a test?
To book your Chlamydia IgG Antibody test, you can use the “Get Started” button on this page to book easily online. If you have any questions regarding your test or appointment, you can call our helpful patient services hotline 24/7 using the number at the top of this page. Our team can help you choose your test and book an appointment for you on a day and time that suits you.