If your test result is positive, the Webtest team will call you to let you know. They can help you find a GP or sexual health clinic so you can be treated with antibiotics. They will also discuss different options for telling sexual partners that they should be tested too.
The Webtest team will follow up about a week later to check that you have received treatment and notified sexual partners.
There is no shame or stigma about having chlamydia or gonorrhoea as they are very common infections, and in the majority of cases, simple and easy to treat.
Most people don’t have symptoms so getting tested is the only way of knowing if you have chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Left untreated the infection can be passed on for many months and lead to more serious health problems.
Getting treated
It is your responsibility to go to a GP or a sexual health clinic to get treated if your test result is positive. This will usually involve taking antibiotics.
Risks of not getting treated
Without early treatment, infection can occur in the cervix, uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes. This is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and can cause infertility. If untreated, infection and swelling of the prostate gland known as prostatitis can develop, or epididymo-orchitis (infection in the sperm-conducting tubes and testicles). This can lead to infertility. A pregnant woman can also pass STIs to her baby, causing serious health problems.
Wait seven days after treatment before having sex
Once you have been treated you should not have any sexual contact for 7 days. Both you and your sexual partner should be treated—and have finished all your medication—before you have sex again.
Telling sexual partners
Webtest staff will discuss some options for letting your partner know that you have had a positive test result and they may have been exposed to an STI.
While it might seem a little awkward to tell a partner you have an STI, it’s the right thing to do. Most people want to know they are at risk so they can be tested and treated.
Telling your partner that they should also be tested helps prevent you from being re-infected with the same STI. It also helps stop the spread to future partners and prevents further complications from untreated infection.
Many appreciate being told in person, but there are other options if this isn’t possible. Learn more about ways to inform sexual partners so they can get tested and treated.
Getting retested
Because re-infection is very common, 13 HEALTH will send you a reminder via SMS to have another test about 3 months after you had a positive result and were treated. You can use Webtest to order another test or visit your nearest GP or sexual health clinic for a full sexual health check.
If you are sexually active, you should see your GP or sexual health clinic for a sexual health check every year—or more often if you have multiple partners, start a new relationship or have vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom or dental dam.
