Screening (for chlamydia infection in women)

Suggested groups of women who require screening for chlamydia infection include:

• before an abortion
• women less than 25 years old
• if barrier methods are not used for contraception
• if there is a mucopurulent cervical discharge
• if there is a history of post-coital or intermenstrual bleeding
• if there is evidence of urethritis or cervicitis
• if there is contact bleeding when examining the cervix
• all GUM attenders and their partners
• in older women if there have been more than two different sexual partners in the last 12 months (1)
• all women with another sexually transmitted infection, including genital warts
• women undergoing cervical instrumentation (including fitting of an intrauterine contraceptive device)
• parents of infants with chlamydial conjunctivitis or pneumonitis
• egg donors
• women with tubal infertility or ectopic pregnancy (2)

Reference:

• (1) Chlamydia trachomatis: Summary and conclusions of Chief Medical Officer's Expert Advisory Group, Department of Health 1998.
• (2) HPA (2008) Diagnosis of chlamydia: quick reference guide for general practices for consultation and local adaptation. Health Protection Agency.