Young people in Zealand region can now order chlamydia tests for home delivery

Young people aged 15 to 29 in Denmark’s Zealand region can now order free at-home tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomonas, regional authorities announced Tuesday, according to public broadcaster DR.

The initiative, launched via the website selvtest.dk, allows residents to discreetly receive test kits at home or at a parcel shop without visiting a doctor. After completing the test, users return it by post for laboratory analysis.

“This way, you can pick it up discreetly, without needing to discuss it with friends, parents, or anyone else,” said Susanne Lundvald, chair of the region’s Local Health Committee.

Results are delivered digitally through e-Boks or sundhed.dk, Denmark’s national health portal. Those who test positive will also receive a call from healthcare staff for contact tracing and treatment.

The at-home test mirrors the type used in clinical settings and was developed collaboratively by Denmark’s five regions. However, Zealand is the first to implement the service for young people.

Chlamydia remains the most common sexually transmitted infection in the country, with nearly 30,000 confirmed cases in 2024—82% of them among 15- to 29-year-olds, per the Statens Serum Institut. Yet only 14.4% of young people in that age group were tested last year.

Many infections go unnoticed, as only one in four infected women and half of infected men show symptoms. Untreated, the infection can lead to serious health complications.

“We hope this new option will encourage more people to get tested and treated,” said Trine Birk Andersen, regional council chair.