STI advice and free NHS chlamydia testing from your local pharmacy

Although it’s not a pleasant thought, if you’ve had unprotected sex you’re at risk from chlamydia and other STIs, including:

• Gonorrhoea
• Pubic lice
• HIV
• Genital warts
• Genital herpes
• Syphilis

Why you should be screened for chlamydia

Some STIs (also known as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs) do not show any symptoms.

At least 75% of infected women and around half of infected men will not have any visible signs of chlamydia, although it can still cause unseen damage and lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.

The free chlamydia test

With the help of the NHS a chlamydia test kit from The Co-operative Pharmacy is discreet, quick and simple.

You can pick up a free home chlamydia test by going along to your local Co-operative Pharmacy.*  It’s available to men and women and you’re able to take the kit away with you so that you can take the test in privacy.

When you’re ready, all you need to do is provide a urine sample in the container provided, or take a swab from the vagina. Once you’re done, return the test to your local Co-operative Pharmacy in the discreet packet provided.

We’ll have your results back from the laboratory within 48 hours so we can put your mind at rest or get you started on the right course of treatment.

Our Pharmacist will also be able to give you advice on any other issues around unprotected sex that may be worrying you, including STIs or emergency contraception (the ‘morning after’ pill  ), and be more than happy to help if you need some advice about how to stay safe next time.

To read more about the symptoms of chlamydia please check our chlamydia advice, or ask in store for advice about other NHS sexual health services.

*Not all services are available in every branch. Please contact your nearest Co-operative Pharmacy for local details.

If you found this article useful, take a look at:

Help and advice about emergency contraception (the ‘morning after’ pill)
Chlamydia advice and symptoms
HIV