For parents and caregivers
Sex and sexual health
How is testing carried out?.
Which tests are needed, and when they should be taken, depends on the possible infection and the type of sexual contact.
Understanding the situation
Testing can involve urine, swabs from the vagina, throat or rectum, or a blood test. Teenagers can often collect some samples themselves after receiving instructions.
For chlamydia and gonorrhoea, two weeks after a possible exposure is generally used as the point at which a negative result is reliable. Other infections have different testing windows. Healthcare professionals assess whether later follow-up testing is needed.
Turning knowledge into action
What you can do
- Help arrange an appointment or find local services.
- Allow the teenager to describe the sexual contact directly to a healthcare professional.
- Ask how results will be communicated and what happens if a test is positive.
Find a way to start
One way to begin
“The healthcare professional can explain which tests are suitable and what will happen. I can come in with you or wait outside.”
Use your own words and give your child time to respond. A short conversation can be a good beginning.
More help with the conversationFurther support
When should you seek help?
If the teenager has symptoms, seek help now even if the contact was recent. After an assault, healthcare services should promptly assess testing and preventive treatment.
See who you can contactContinue learning
Other useful topics
Sources and further reading
Sources were checked on 1 October 2026. The conversation examples are suggestions from Tidlignok.
This content provides general information. Healthcare professionals can assess your child's symptoms, circumstances and treatment needs.