References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Home testing kits for chlamydia and gonorrhoea allow you to collect samples in private and post them to a lab for analysis. They are highly accurate, discreet and often free through NHS services. For many people, they are a more convenient alternative to visiting a sexual health clinic.
Here’s how they work.
Order a discreet home STI test
How Home Tests Work
Most home tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea use a technique called nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), which detects the genetic material of the bacteria. This is the same technology used by sexual health clinics, so accuracy is comparable.
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Order kit | Request online through NHS or private service |
| 2. Collect sample | Urine sample for men, vaginal swab for women, throat/rectal swabs if relevant |
| 3. Post sample | Send back in the provided pre-paid envelope |
| 4. Lab analysis | Usually takes 2-5 days |
| 5. Results | Delivered by text, email or secure portal |
| 6. Treatment | If positive, you’ll be linked to treatment |
Who Should Test?
- Anyone under 25 who is sexually active — yearly testing recommended
- New sexual partner
- Multiple partners
- After a partner tests positive
- Symptoms of an STI (discharge, pain, bleeding)
- Men who have sex with men — every 3 months if at higher risk
Sample Types
Urine
Used for urethral chlamydia and gonorrhoea. First-catch urine (first part of the stream) gives the best results. Don’t urinate for at least 1 hour before the test.
Vaginal swab
The most accurate sample for women. Self-collection works as well as clinician collection.
Throat swab
Important for people who have oral sex, particularly with multiple partners. Oral gonorrhoea and chlamydia are often silent.
Rectal swab
Essential for anyone who has receptive anal sex. Rectal infections are common and would be missed by urine testing alone.
Accuracy
Modern NAAT tests have sensitivity and specificity over 95% for both chlamydia and gonorrhoea. False negatives can happen if the sample wasn’t collected properly or if the test was taken too soon after exposure (within the first 1-2 weeks).
Where to Get Free Kits
- SH:24 (parts of England)
- Freetesting.hiv (bundled with HIV testing)
- Local sexual health clinic websites
- Young people’s health services
If You Test Positive
Most services will contact you directly with positive results and arrange treatment. You may be offered:
- Prescription antibiotics
- Clinic appointment for assessment
- Partner notification assistance
Read more: What is chlamydia? | What is gonorrhoea? | Home HIV testing
Frequently Asked Questions
Are home tests as accurate as clinic tests?
Yes. They use the same laboratory techniques. Accuracy depends mostly on correct sample collection.
How long do results take?
Usually 2-5 days after the lab receives your sample.
Do I need to test my throat and bottom?
If you have oral or anal sex, yes. Infections at these sites are often missed by urine-only testing.
Related reading
- Comprehensive Test: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Herpes
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Lab Test
- Rectal Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Test
- STI Throat Swab for Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia
- Multi-Site STI Testing: Genital, Rectal and Throat
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
