Getting tested

If you've ever had unprotected sex it's important that you get tested for STIs. Around 70% of people with STIs don't develop any symptoms so you won't know if you've caught anything unless you get tested. Also, if you continue to have unprotected sex you could be spreading STIs to others.

There are different types of services available, depending on what you want to do. Some require a urine sample (pee in the pot), other require a swab (a sample taken with a cotton bud) from your penis or inside of vagina. For HIV it is necessary to test your blood.

Go to our services map to search for the service you need.

Visiting a clinic

If you want to visit a clinic, first thing you should do is check out the service map. It has got information about what clinics are close to you and opening times.

Being in the clinic

Both boys and girls are usually nervous before visiting a clinic for the first time. Remember that everyone working with sexual health are professionally trained nursed and doctors. They get lots of people through their doors every day. In clinics marked with the Young People Friendly logo, the staff have also received a lot of extra training to deal with young people.

Clinics work in different ways; some are drop in and with some clinics you need to make an appointment. Most offer both options. Drop in clinics can get crowded so arrive early to make sure you're seen that day. If you need to be seen within a specific time it is best to book an appointment.

When you are seen you will probably be asked a few questions about your sexual history. Be honest because the answer will help the clinic to offer you the right checks and possible treatment. The staff won't judge you. They will offer you advice on how you can protect yourself in the future.

Getting your results

You will not get all your test results when you are in the clinic as they have to be sent to a lab. Most clinics work on a 'no news is good news' basis, meaning if you don't hear anything you tested negative on everything. If you test positive on anything the clinic will call you to let you know what to do. Give them your mobile phone number if you don't want them to call your house. They will not send any letters to your house if you tell them to only contact you over phone.

Chlamydia testing

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It can easily transfer through unprotected sex. 1 in 10 young people between 16 and 25 are thought to have Chlamydia. Most people don't experience any symptoms so you might have Chlamydia without knowing. But Chlamydia can lead to serious problems in the future. You can even end up infertile, meaning you're not able to get a child.

How can I get tested?

All you need to do for a Chlamydia test is give a urine sample (pee in a pot). The testing is confidential and you will usually get the test results through a phone call or text message. Don't worry if you're test is positive; treatment for Chlamydia is very simple.

Where can I get tested?

In a sexual health clinic: They will give you a pot to pee in and send off the sample for you.

In a pharmacy: They will give you the pot and you can usually choose whether you want to take the test there or at home.

Home test kit: If you live in Barking, Dagenham or Redbridge you can order a kit to be sent home to you. You fill out a piece of paper and return the pack with the urine sample. Just click on this address http://freetest.tht.org.uk/ to order your free kit.

In an outreach clinic: Sometimes you can meet people running Chlamydia tests in places like clubs and leisure centres. Check out our service map for more info.