If your test is Positive
This means Chlamydia infection has been found on your sample.
If this is the case we will telephone you (we won't text) if we have your mobile number and not text, as we will want to speak to you as soon as possible to arrange an appointment for you to see one of our nurses for a quick chat and to get your medication. If you have only provided an address at the time of taking the test we will send a letter 1st class. This letter will ask you to contact us by phone as soon as possible.
Again these results are available 5-10 days after taking the test and the same rule applies to the telephone calls – we always check you are okay to talk, and that we are speaking to YOU!
What next if Positive?
Once we have spoken to you on the phone, or else once you have contacted us after receiving a letter, we will make arrangements for you to attend one of our clinics to receive antibiotics. We will ask you to bring your partner (s) with you at that time too if possible, so we can give them the same tablets. Although we will ask your partner to give a wee sample, we will not need to wait for a test result for them – as we will feel it is very likely they too are infected.
There are many clinic venues across the Wirral area where you can see an experienced sexual health nurse or doctor for treatment for Chlamydia, but this must be by appointment – which is why we will want to speak to you first.
How to tell partners?
We always encourage you to bring your partner with you to the appointment so that they too can receive treatment for Chlamydia. This will mean discussing it with them prior to attending.
As previously mentioned, Chlamydia can hang around for months or even years undetected, so either one of you may have brought it into your relationship from a previous sexual partner.
By you having the test , you have taken the first step in ensuring you both have a healthy future together. No blame is to be had; Chlamydia is very common and easily passed.
It may be more difficult for you to contact previous partners, but we think it is important to let them know as they too could have this infection without knowing. We would advise you to notify any sexual partners you may have had in the previous six months. however if this is difficult or you do not feel able to do so, our team of sexual health nurses will happily do this for you. Your name is not passed on, we simply suggest to then they get themselves tested as they may have been at risk.
At the consultation
The chat with the sexual health nurse or doctor will not take very long – usually about twenty minutes. If you bring your partner you will be seen separately, however the same questions will be asked , and usually the same tablets provided.
In a relaxed yet confidential environment you will be asked some basic health related questions to make sure the tablets we give you are okay for you to take. We will ask you some questions about sexual partners and give advice as to how you can minimise your risk of infections in the future. We can signpost you for your contraception needs, or further STI testing to make sure there is nothing else lurking!
Your partner will be asked the same during his/her consultation.
Once we are happy - and more importantly you are happy – we will provide you with tablets you need to clear up chlamydia and the advice that goes with it regarding having sex and re-infection.