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Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening (NAAT)

Infectious Disease

Risk-based (often teens and young adults)Based on risk (often at least yearly when risk is ongoing; sooner after exposure)10–15 minutes

NAAT testing detects chlamydia and gonorrhea, common, often silent infections that are treatable.

Guidance for your location

Location
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Recommended Age
Risk-based (often teens and young adults)
Frequency
Based on risk (often at least yearly when risk is ongoing; sooner after exposure)
Duration
10–15 minutes

Overview

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that often cause no symptoms. NAAT (nucleic acid amplification testing) is the most accurate routine test and can be done using urine and/or swabs. Screening helps prevent complications (like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility) and reduces transmission.

Who Should Get This Screening

  • People with a new partner, multiple partners, or other sexual risk factors (risk-based).
  • Sexually active teens and young adults are often screened more routinely; exact recommendations vary by setting.
  • People with symptoms (pain, discharge, bleeding, testicular pain) should be tested diagnostically right away.
  • Pregnancy screening practices vary by province/clinic and are often risk-based; follow your prenatal care team’s guidance.

What to Expect

Depending on exposure sites, you may provide a urine sample and/or have a swab collected (genital, throat, rectum). Some clinics allow self-collection for certain swabs. Results are usually available within days.

How to Prepare

Follow these tips to prepare for your screening

  • For urine tests, avoid urinating for 1–2 hours before collection if possible.
  • Follow clinic instructions for swab tests (for example, avoid douching before a vaginal sample).
  • Be honest about exposure sites so the right samples are collected.

Benefits

  • Detects treatable infections early.
  • Prevents complications like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
  • Reduces transmission to partners.

Things to Consider

  • Swabs can be mildly uncomfortable.
  • False positives/negatives can occur; confirmatory testing may be needed in some situations.
  • A positive result can cause stress. Support and treatment are available.

Guideline Source: Sexual health screening guidance

This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.