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.
A throat swab for gonorrhoea and chlamydia is an important part of comprehensive STI testing for anyone who has oral sex. Pharyngeal (throat) infections are common, almost always silent, and easily missed by standard urine testing. A simple swab of the back of the throat takes seconds and can catch infections that otherwise go undiagnosed.
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Why Throat Swabs Matter
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Throat infections are common | Particularly gonorrhoea, increasingly chlamydia |
| Almost always silent | No sore throat, no symptoms |
| Missed by urine tests | Need throat-specific sample |
| Can spread to partners | Through kissing and oral sex |
How to Self-Collect
- Rub the swab firmly against the back of your throat and tonsils
- Avoid touching the tongue and teeth
- Place in provided container
- Post to lab or hand to clinician
Who Needs Throat Testing
- Anyone who gives oral sex
- MSM — routinely at each screening visit
- People with multiple partners
- When throat symptoms are present alongside sexual health concerns
Treatment
- Throat gonorrhoea — ceftriaxone injection; test of cure recommended
- Throat chlamydia — doxycycline 7 days
Read more: Chlamydia from oral sex | Multi-site testing | What is gonorrhoea?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a throat swab uncomfortable?
Slightly — like a brief gag. It takes seconds.
Does every STI test include a throat swab?
Not always. Ask specifically if you have oral sex.
How soon can throat infections be detected?
From about 1-2 weeks after exposure.
Related reading
- Comprehensive Test: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea and Herpes
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Lab Test
- Home Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Tests: How They Work
- Rectal Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Test
- 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.
