During this month, more than 40,000 young people in Hillingdon will be receiving Chlamydia information through the post and a chance to order a free Chlamydia postal test kit. Young people can get tested for free at many sites in the borough including their GP, local Pharmacies, Contraception and sexual health clinics.

Terrence Higgins Trust has been commissioned by NHS Hillingdon to assist their health professionals in running this scheme.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that affects around one in ten young people. In most cases infected people have no signs or symptoms. If untreated, Chlamydia can cause serious health problems, including infertility in men and women. The main aim is to detect the disease early and provide free treatment.

Dr Marion Marshall, a GP at the Medical Centre at Brunel University said “The information that is being sent out gives young people the facts to help protect themselves in future, and the opportunity to order a postal test kit. If 16-24 year olds have had any type of sexual contact without a condom, we’re encouraging them to take a test. Although Chlamydia is easily diagnosed and treated, it can cause real problems if its not treated.”

Adrian White, Service Development Manager at Terrence Higgins Trust said “Young people are often shocked when we tell them how common Chlamydia is. If you are under 25 and you have a group of 10 mates who are having sex, unfortunately it’s likely that one of you will have it. Doing this test is quick and easy so we hope young people will take five minutes to order a kit and see if they have the all clear.”

Last year there was a rise in new diagnoses of Chlamydia in young people nationally. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) now recommends that young people are screened for Chlamydia annually or more often if they regularly change partners.

Chlamydia testing and treatment is available free of charge from various locations in Hillingdon. Staff from Terrence Higgins Trust are also visiting a number of venues in Hillingdon to offer young people tests.

For more information about locations offering free Chlamydia testing and treatment and the Terrence Higgins Trust outreach service call 01895 259 133, email info.hillingdon@tht.org.uk or visit http://www.tht.org.uk/free

Source
Terrence Higgins Trust