The UK's Most Common Bacterial STI
Over 200,000 chlamydia cases are diagnosed in the UK each year. 70% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms. Silent infections can damage your fertility. Get tested.
Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the UK. Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, it primarily affects the genital tract but can also infect the throat and rectum. The biggest concern with chlamydia is that most infections are asymptomatic, allowing the bacteria to cause silent damage to the reproductive system.
Chlamydia is diagnosed using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT/PCR), which are highly accurate. Testing involves a urine sample for men, or a vaginal swab for women (which can be self-collected). Throat and rectal swabs are taken if indicated by sexual history. Results are typically available within 2 days.
Chlamydia is easily cured with antibiotics. The standard treatment is either a single dose of azithromycin or a week-long course of doxycycline. Doxycycline is now preferred due to slightly higher cure rates. You should avoid sex for 7 days after treatment and until your partner has also been treated. A test of cure may be recommended in certain situations.
While some infections may eventually clear, you cannot rely on this. Untreated chlamydia can persist for months or years, causing ongoing damage to your reproductive system. Treatment is quick, easy, and essential.
You can have chlamydia for months or even years without any symptoms. This is why regular testing is so important. The longer an infection goes untreated, the greater the risk of complications like PID and infertility.
Yes. Treatment cures your current infection but doesn't provide immunity. You can be reinfected if exposed again. This is common if partners aren't treated simultaneously. About 1 in 5 people get reinfected within a few months.
Yes, it's important to notify recent sexual partners (ideally from the last 6 months) so they can get tested and treated. This prevents them passing it to others and reduces your risk of reinfection. We can help with anonymous partner notification.
Lower back pain and pelvic discomfort can have many causes. Learn when symptoms may relate to a rectal infection and when confidential STI testing may help.
Worried about chlamydia after partial condom use? Understand your risk, possible causes, and when confidential STI testing may provide reassurance.
Noticing clear sticky penile discharge after unprotected sex? Symptoms have several possible causes. Learn what they may mean and when STI testing may help.
Book a confidential consultation or STI test at our South Kensington clinic. Walk-in appointments available.
At STI Clinic, our GPs and nurses are highly trained in sexual health and general medicine. We are committed to delivering confidential, non-judgemental care in a safe and supportive environment.
Our clinicians are fully registered and regulated to practise in the United Kingdom. We adhere strictly to national clinical standards and professional guidelines because patient safety, governance, and trust are non-negotiable.
Providing rapid and reliable sexual health diagnostics with dual-access pathways. Located in central London, we offer a professional environment with immediate walk-in care or pre-scheduled bookings.
Real reviews from our South Kensington clinic. We take pride in our professional medical staff and rapid diagnostic turnaround.
"Absolutely fantastic service. I was very nervous about the blood draw, but Nurse Luciana was so professional and gentle. She made the whole process painless. Results came back via secure email in 24 hours. Best clinic in South Kensington."
"Discreet, professional, and efficient. I walked in for an STI screening and was seen almost immediately. Luciana is an expert - she handled the blood test perfectly. Total peace of mind."
"High-quality clinical environment. Nurse Luciana is an absolute star; she explained everything clearly and made me feel at ease during the blood tests. 5-star care."