Testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea is straightforward and hassle-free. If you're 16 and over and live in St Helens, you have two options:
1. Visit the Sexual Health Clinic at St Helens Hospital, located on the lower ground floor, from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
2. Order an online testing kit – you can complete the test at home and return it to us by post.
Exclusions: Please note that online testing is only available for St Helens residents. Unfortunately, we cannot offer online testing kits to people under 16 years old, as we need to ask a few additional questions to ensure you’re safe. However, it is still important to get tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea if you have been sexually active. Please click here for more information on how to test if you're under 16 years old.
If you live in St Helens and you’d like to test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea, please use the options below to select your age group so we can provide you with the correct testing kit:
Essential Testing Information
- What is Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea?
Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea are two of the most common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
- How are Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea transmitted?
These two STIs are commonly passed through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infection person.
- Why should I get tested for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea?
If left untreated, these infections can result in pain, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, infertility. While treatment can get rid the infections, it cannot reverse any damage caused by untreated STIs.
- How can I test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea?
Getting tested is straightforward, you can either:
1. Visit the Sexual Health St Helens clinic on the Lower Ground Floor of St Helens Hospital
2. Book an appointment by calling 01744 646473.
3. For residents of St Helens aged 16 and over, online testing kits are available for order.
- If I have symptoms, can I still order an online testing kit?
If you are experiencing symptoms of an STI, we strongly advise visiting the clinic instead of ordering online. This allows for quicker testing and possible treatment during your visit, even before receiving your results.
- Is it possible to test too early?
Testing less than 2 weeks after sex may lead to a false negative. This is because it can take up to 2 weeks for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea to show up on a test. Therefore, it’s advisable to wait at least two weeks after potential exposure before getting tested to ensure accurate results. If you have any symptoms or are concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to the clinic for guidance. Early detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining your health and preventing the spread of these infections.
- How do I order an online testing kit?
Ordering a testing kit online is simple; just answer the questions below to guide you to the appropriate order form. Once you place an order, you’ll receive the kit in the post within 7 working days. Follow the included instructions to complete your test and return it to us.
- How will I receive my results?
After you return your kit, we will send you your results within 10 working days via text message.
- What if I test positive?
Both infections can be easily treated with antibiotics. We advise that any current sexual partners seek treatment to prevent re-infection. Additionally, we highly recommend you inform any past partners who may be at risk. If you prefer not to contact them directly, let us know their details, and we can reach out to them anonymously.
- What if I’m under 16 and want to test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea?
If you are under 16, you can visit:
• Our clinic at St Helens Hospital
• The TAZ clinic at the Millennium Centre • The Chester Lane Library drop-in
• The TAZ Outreach team during school drop-ins. Click here to find out when they are in your school.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer online testing for those under 16. This is because we need to ask additional questions to ensure you, and your sexual partners, are safe.