How do I do a vaginal swab sample?
Relax and follow these simple steps
Women are advised to take a vaginal swab to test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomonas, and mycoplasma genitalium.
Taking a vaginal swab is usually quick and simple for most people.
- Give yourself enough time, so you’re relaxed.
Step one
- Find a position that is comfortable for you. It can help to put one foot on a chair or the toilet seat, as if inserting a tampon.
- Hold the swab about 5mm from the top and insert into your vagina.
Step two
- Twist the swab around, 5 or 10 times, making sure you touch the sides of your vagina.
- Gently remove and pop the swab into its tube.
If taking a vaginal swab would be difficult for you, you can request a urine test instead, but urine tests are not as accurate as vaginal swabs in picking up STIs in women.