Call for Wyre Forest young adults to take chlamydia tests (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Call for Wyre Forest young adults to take chlamydia tests

12:20pm Wednesday 23rd December 2009 in News

ALL Wyre Forest 16-24-year-olds registered with a GP will be sent a letter asking them to get tested for chlamydia.

As well as giving information about the sexually transmitted infection, the letter from Dr Richard Harling, NHS Worcestershire’s director of public health, encourages young men and women to take a free screening test.

Dr Harling said: “Chlamydia is a sexually acquired infection that affects around one in fourteen young people. It is caught through unprotected sex and can affect both men and women.

“Worryingly, one person is told they have the sexually transmitted infection every five minutes.

“There are often no symptoms when a person has chlamydia, so people may not know they have it but it can lead to long term health complications including infertility and arthritis.

“We are writing to all 16-24-year-olds to encourage them to take a free, confidential and painless test as, once chlamydia is detected, it can be treated easily with a course of free antibiotics.”

To find out how to receive a free postal DIY chlamydia test kit visit playinitsafe.co.uk, freetest.me or call 01905 681789.

For information about chlamydia visit chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk or call 01905 681789 or 01905 681784.