The NHS has launched a new free and confidential national chlamydia screening programme aimed at sexually active young people aged 15 to 25. These new self-test kits for men and women are now available from Colchester YMCA.
Chlamydia, is a sexually transmitted infection that can have very serious consequences. Self-testing is a straightforward process that takes only a couple of minutes and if diagnosed early enough, cases can be treated successfully by simply taking one dose of antibiotic tablets.
In addition to Colchester YMCA, self-testing kits are available from many locations in Colchester and Tendring, including family planning clinics; Colbayns Community Centre, Clacton; Colchester Cornerstone; Alliance Pharmacy, Brightlingsea; Day Lewis Pharmacy in the Co-op, Long Wyre Street, Colchester; Queen Street Pharmacy, Colchester; and the GP practice at the St Edmunds Centre, Greenstead. The Hippodrome nightclub in Colchester, and Rumours nightclub, Clacton, are also promoting the scheme.
People can choose how they would like to be informed of their result - by text, letter or phone. If diagnosed early enough, chlamydia can be treated successfully by taking one dose of antibiotic tablets. There is no charge, even for people who normally have to pay for prescriptions.
About 30% of females and about 50% of males with chlamydia do not experience any symptoms and are not aware they have been infected. It can also be transmitted between people in same-sex relationships.
Untreated, it can have very serious consequences and costs the NHS £100m a year. For example, in women, it is responsible for 47% of all ectopic pregnancies, 10-40% of pelvic inflammatory disease, and increases the risk of miscarriage. In men, it can lead to a painful infection in the testicles and possibly reduced fertility.
It is such a serious issue for sexually active people between the ages of 15 and 25 that all people in this group are urged to use the self-test kits. Anyone returning completed kits will also be entitled to free condoms and a free condom wallet.
Youth News 
