I want to test for infections in my throat or rectum. How can I do this?

Answer

We do not routinely offer throat and rectal site testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea for everyone. However, if your consultation responses identify that you need testing from these sites we will provide a kit that offers throat / rectal swabs. The prevalence of throat infections for example in women is low and if you are infected the vaginal sample is usually positive. Testing in low prevalent populations risks a higher number of false positive results (where the test is positive, but you are not infected). Such results can lead to anxiety and distress, difficult conversations with partners and receiving unnecessary antibiotic treatment. If you feel you require extra-genital testing please speak to staff at your local sexual health clinic or you can discuss with the SHL.UK clinical team on 0208 191 0222 or email [email protected].