Testing for women

All of our tests and treatment can be carried out regardless of where you are in your menstrual cycle. We are very happy to see, test and treat women who are on their period.

Testing for STIs in women without symptoms

Women will be given a swab to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea. You can do the swab yourself. The swab involves inserting a small cotton bud into the entrance of the vagina and rotating the swab a few times against the walls of your vagina. We will also do a blood test for HIV and syphilis, and occasionally hepatitis B or C.

Testing for STIs in women with symptoms

• We will do a full genital examination using a speculum, and take several swabs from the vagina and cervix (neck of the womb). Sometimes we also examine your womb by performing a vaginal examination.
• We can test for non-STIs such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush, as well as STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas and herpes.
• If you have been receiving anal sex, we can examine your rectum (just inside your bottom), and take swabs for STIs.
• We may ask you for a urine sample.
• We will take a blood sample for HIV and syphilis, and in some cases the hepatitis viruses B and C.
• We may take a throat swab, depending on your circumstances.