As a significant step in STI prevention for Australian women, the country’s first self-test kit for chlamydia and gonorrhoea is now available nationwide, offering greater privacy and fast results according to the company behind the break-through.
The first of its kind in Australia, the self-test kit detects chlamydia and gonorrhoea with one swab sample, producing a positive or negative result for both infections in 15 minutes.
STIs affect almost one in six (16 per cent) Australians in their lifetime and over the last 10 years, cases have increased at an alarming rate in Australia, with rates of chlamydia and gonorrhoea increasing by 26 per cent and 157 per cent respectively.
Chlamydia is the most reported communicable disease in Australia, with over 110,000 reported cases in 2023, but is often asymptomatic, leading to undiagnosed cases as people remain reluctant to test for the infection due to perceived stigma or lack of awareness.
Gonorrhoea presents with pain or discomfort in the throat, eyes, cervix and other areas but, similarly, it is often mistaken for other infections and remains undiagnosed.
Steven Quinlan, sales director at Touch Biotechnology which developed the self-test kit, says it gives “women immediate control over their sexual health in a way that traditional clinical testing does not”.
“Touch Biotechnology’s STI self-test kit for chlamydia and gonorrhoea works similarly to the common rapid antigen tests, using a single swab, buffer solution and test cassette to test for both infections in women, supporting early diagnosis and treatment,” he explained.
“By enabling women to easily test themselves when and where suits them, the self-test kit eliminates the anxiety associated with clinical settings and transforms the experience into a routine part of self-care.
“Knowing their STI status also helps women to communicate better with healthcare providers, access the right medication, and reduce the risk of antibiotic misuse, which can lead to drug resistance.
“Affordable and discreet self-test kits remove the barriers that have traditionally kept women from seeking care. When infections are caught early, swift action can be taken to prevent complications, such as infertility or chronic pelvic pain.
“In underserved communities, where access to healthcare can be limited, this type of testing is especially important. If adopted in healthcare centres, these kits could increase testing capacity, reduce costs, and improve overall health outcomes for women and the community.”
The Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Rapid Test (for female) is now available for purchase at pharmacies, distributors, and online nationwide, to be completed discreetly at home. Prior to this, the only option for women to test for Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia was to complete an individual lab or PCR test. This invasive process could be costly and takes too long, with results typically taking one to three days.
BREAK OUT
What are chlamydia and gonorrhoea?
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are both bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that affect both men and women.
Chlamydia is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It often doesn’t show symptoms, especially in women, but can lead to serious health issues like infertility if untreated. It can be cured with antibiotics.1
Gonorrhoea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can cause symptoms like painful urination and discharge, but many people don’t experience symptoms. Like chlamydia, it can be treated with antibiotics, though some strains are becoming resistant to treatment.2
What are the risks of untreated chlamydia and gonorrhoea?
If left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to serious health complications for both men and women.
For women, untreated chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to chronic pain, infertility, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. These infections can also increase the risk of HIV transmission.3
Additionally, untreated STIs can contribute to the spread of the infection to others, as well as cause more severe health issues over time. Timely treatment with antibiotics is essential to avoid these risks.
What are the symptoms of Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea?
Many people, particularly women, may not experience any symptoms, which is why these infections can often go undiagnosed.
For women with chlamydia, common symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination, and pain during sex. Some may also experience lower abdominal pain or bleeding between periods or after sex.1
Gonorrhoea, like chlamydia, may not always present clear symptoms. In women, symptoms often include increased vaginal discharge, painful urination, pelvic or abdominal pain, and bleeding between periods or after sex
Citations
1. www.health.gov.au/topics/sexual-health/about
2. nindss.health.gov.au/pbi-dashboard/
3. sti.guidelines.org.au/sexually-transmissible-infections/chlamydia/
4. www.healthdirect.gov.au/gonorrhoea-the-clap
