Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Test

What is a Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Test?

This test is used to show whether you are infected with the chlamydia or gonorrhoea bacteria. The test consists of materials for taking a sample from either the vagina, penis, throat, or anus.  You will receive extensive instructions with your self-test. After collection you can send in your sample and it will be examined by a certified laboratory. You will receive the results within a few days. It couldn’t be easier!

What’s in the test kit?

• Instruction manual
• A pipette and test tube for a urine test, or a cotton swab with collection tube for a vaginal, throat, or anal swab
• A protective transport bag
• A return envelope

When can you test for each STI?

The window period is the time between when you were infected with an STI and when it is detectable with a test. Every STI has its own window period. If you test for an STI before the window period has passed, you may test negative even if you are infected. See below for more information about the specific window period per STI and determine when you can reliably administer this test.

What is the window period for chlamydia and gonorrhoea?

Chlamydia: After 14 days

Gonorrhoea: After 14 days

Source: Nederlands Huisarten Genootschap

Chlamydia

• (Burning) pain while urinating
• Discharge from the penis
• Pain or swelling in the testicles
• Pain during sex

Gonorrhoea

• Pain or swelling in one of the testicles
• Pus-like discharge from the penis
• Burning pain while urinating
• Pain during sex
• In case of anal infection: irritation, itching, mucous discharge, diarrhea and the urge to (but inability to) pass stool
• In case of infection of the throat: sore throat, pain when swallowing, swollen glands in the neck

Chlamydia

• Pain while urinating
• Abdominal pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes with fever
• Increase in vaginal discharge
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Bleeding between periods

Gonorrhoea

• Pain when urinating
• Vaginal discharge (green/yellow)
• Pain in the lower abdomen, sometimes with fever
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Bleeding between periods
• In case of anal infection: irritation, itching, mucous discharge, diarrhea and the urge to (but inability to) pass stool
• In case of infection of the throat: sore throat, pain when swallowing, swollen glands in the neck

Introduction

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. STIs can be transmitted through contact with the penis, vagina, anus, and sometimes also with your mouth or fingers. Many STIs cause little or no symptoms. However, STIs are not harmless, and an untreated infection can cause uncomfortable symptoms or serious damage to the body if left untreated. That is why getting tested regularly is important, both in order to prevent the infection from spreading to others and to ensure infections are treated promptly.

Chlamydia 

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. This bacteria can cause an infection of the urethra, cervix, rectum or throat. Chlamydia is transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex or contact with infected genital fluids. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the epididymis in men, and to the uterus or fallopian tubes in women. This increases the risk of infertility or an ectopic pregnancy. A chlamydia infection during childbirth can lead to eye or respiratory infections in the baby. Chlamydia is a very common STI and is treatable with antibiotics.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Not everyone with gonorrhoea develops symptoms, making early detection difficult. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can cause further health problems. In women, untreated gonorrhoea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility. In pregnant women, inflammation of the uterus, preterm birth, and ectopic pregnancy can occur. Pregnant women with gonorrhoea can also infect their baby during childbirth. This can lead to eye inflammation and blindness in the baby. In men, untreated gonorrhoea can cause inflammation of the epididymis or prostate. In rare cases, gonorrhoea can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. This can lead to joint inflammation, blood poisoning, or meningitis. Gonorrhoea is treatable with antibiotics.