Chlamydia Screening a Positive Response to a Major Challenge

24/09/2008

The 25 September marks the beginning of an important initiative aimed at protecting the health of young people.

Over the next 6 months, all 16-24 year olds across Gloucestershire will be sent a letter explaining that they are eligible for Chlamdyia Screening as part of a National Screening Programme.

The letter from Gloucestershire’s Director of Public Health aims to raise awareness of the dangers of Chlamydia, inform young people how easy the test is and where screening is available.

In an attempt to reduce the spread of Chlamydia in Gloucestershire, screening has been made as simple as possible. Young people can test themselves, it’s free and treatment is usually a one off course of antibiotics.

After reading the letter, young people can either request a postal kit on line, ring the Chlamydia Screening Office for one or collect a kit from various pick up points through out the county.

The test is simple, a urine test for men and a self administered swab test for women. After returning the kits, individuals will be contacted if a course of treatment is needed.

Gloucestershire’s Director of Public Health, Dr Shona Arora said:

“We are committed to promoting the safe sex message, raising awareness of the dangers of unprotected sex and the potentially serious complications of untreated sexually transmitted infections.”

“Chlamydia is a growing concern and the number of diagnoses nationally have been steadily increasing each year since the 1990s. It is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection.”

“In 80% of women and 50% of men there are no symptoms and the infection can therefore go undiagnosed until it leads to complications. Once diagnosed it can be treated easily and effectively and the earlier the treatment starts the better.”

“If left untreated it can cause persistent pelvic pain, an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility.”

“As part of the National Screening Programme, we are taking a pro-active approach to engaging with young people to promote the safe sex message. A key message is that Chlamydia can be successfully prevented by using condoms.”

Chair of the PCT’s Professional Executive Committee and Cotswold GP, Dr Tony Walsh said:

“There are many benefits in taking this approach including helping to reduce the growth in sexually transmitted infections, helping to achieve earlier diagnosis in certain cases and it also has the longer term benefit of reducing future pressures on the NHS. I welcome it wholeheartedly.”

The PCT’s Chlamydia Screening Team has also been offering screening in locations such as military bases, university campuses and HM Prison.