SEXUAL HEALTH

CO-EDITOR RACHEL MITCHELL

YOUNGANDFREE.ORG.UK:

ONLINE CHLAMYDIA SCREENING SERVICE FOR UNDER 25s

AS SOME SERVICES REMAIN RESTRICTED WE AT TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST THOUGHT IT A GOOD TIME TO REMIND PEOPLE THAT UNDER 25s CAN ORDER A FREE CHLAMYDIA TEST SENT STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOOR. ORDERING A KIT IS SIMPLE WITH OUR NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE! HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

THE MOST COMMON STI: 1 in 10 sexually active young people in the UK have chlamydia. Recent reports by Public Health England revealed that just under half of all STIs diagnosed were chlamydia with 15-24 year olds being the age group at highest risk.

WHO NEEDS TO TEST? The NHS recommends that people test for chlamydia once every year or on every change of sexual partner. Chlamydia is often symptomless! 50% of men and 70% of women have no symptoms for chlamydia so routine testing is important.

A QUICK AND EASY TEST: The test kits arrive in confidential packaging and simply involve urinating in a pot or a quick and easy vaginal swab. Results are received directly to your phone by text, phone call or email. DISPELLING THE MYTHS

MYTH: Chlamydia is just a problem for women.

FACT: Chlamydia can infect people of any gender.

MYTH: Chlamydia isn’t a problem as it is often symptomless.

FACT: If left untreated or caught repeatedly chlamydia can cause a number of long term medical conditions. These include conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease in the female reproductive system (which can potentially lead to infertility) and epididymitis in the male reproductive system (swollen and painful testicles) as well as reactive arthritis.

MYTH: Chlamydia is difficult to treat. FACT: Chlamydia can be completely cured with just a short course of antibiotics prescribed by a medical practitioner. MYTH: Chlamydia cannot be prevented. FACT: Safer sex practices reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia. Using external or internal condoms creates a protective barrier from infection. AND GONORRHOEA TOO! Diagnosis rates for gonorrhoea have increased more than any other STI according to recent reports. All kits ordered from youngandfree.org.uk test for gonorrhoea as well. DON’T FORGET CONDOMS AND SEXUAL HEALTH INFORMATION! youngandfree.org.uk is the official website for C-Card in Suffolk and contains an easy to use interactive map showing where under 25s can access free condoms. During the lockdown period we have also set up a condoms by post service for all people aged 16-24 which is easily accessible through the website.

ON TOP OF THIS, THE SITE IS FULL OF INFORMATION ON SEXUAL HEALTH AND RELATIONSHIPS AND INCLUDES VIDEOS ON TOPICS SUCH AS CONSENT.