CHLAMYDIA GONORRHOEA TEST KIT FACTS
About the chlamydia gonorrhoea test kit
Our chlamydia gonorrhoea home test for men who have sex with men is an accurate laboratory test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea in your genitals, anus and throat. The test for men requires you to collect a urine sample, a throat swab and an anal swab.
You should wait for at least two weeks after you think you were exposed to chlamydia or gonorrhoea before doing this test. That way the test is most likely to detect these infections.
If you think you could have got chlamydia or gonorrhoea within the last two weeks, you can buy the test now but don’t collect and return your samples until two weeks have gone by.
How does the test work?
Use the kit we send you to collect a urine sample, a throat swab and an anal swab. Send the sample to our partner laboratory. When the lab sends us your test result we’ll share it with you in your secure account.
How do I collect the samples?
Our test kit includes simple instructions about how to collect your samples.
For the urine sample, you must pee into the pot we provide.
For the anus and throat swabs, insert the 2 soft swabs we send you into your anus and throat. The swab takes a sample of fluid.
Put these samples in the packaging we include and send it to our partner laboratory.
Is the test kit accurate?
Yes. The test that the laboratory runs is the same test that’s routinely run in the NHS.
If you got chlamydia or gonorrhoea in the last two weeks, the test is unlikely to detect your infection.
If you start to show symptoms before you take a test or before you get your results you must visit your GP or health clinic.
What happens if I test positive?
If the test shows you have genital or throat chlamydia, you and any partners can use our chlamydia treatment service to get the antibiotics you need, providing treatment is suitable for you. There’s a separate charge to get treated.
If you test positive for anal chlamydia or both chlamydia and gonorrhoea or just gonorrhoea you and any partners will need to go to a clinic for treatment.
If you start to show symptoms before you get your results you must visit your GP or health clinic.
What are the symptoms?
Many men with chlamydia or gonorrhoea don’t have symptoms. If you do, they are often similar for both infections.
Symptoms include anal itching or soreness, unusual discharge from the penis or pain or a burning sensation when peeing. Symptoms also include a sore throat or swollen glands in the throat.
What happens if I already have symptoms?
If you’ve got any symptoms of an STI, you must visit your GP or health clinic. It’s important to get treated because if left untreated it can lead to long-term health problems.
What happens if I don’t take the Boots home test?
If you decide not to use our home test kit you can make an appointment at your local GP or GUM clinic to get tested in person.
Keeping you safe
If you do not feel safe, are experiencing abuse or control, or have experienced this in the past, please find support below or send us a message:
- Ask for ANI at your local Boots pharmacy
- Contact Men’s Advice Line mensadviceline.org.uk on 0808 8010 327
- Look at www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/
- Emergency situation dial 999, speak, cough or tap, then speak or press 55 when through to the police
Page last reviewed by: Dr. Christina Hennessey 21/06/2021