More and more young people are clued up to the importance of a Chlamydia test; London’s Office of National Statistics has shown a dramatic increase in awareness.
Increased awareness of Chlamydia Test
London’s Office of National Statistics revealed this year that the understanding of the STI Chlamydia has drastically increased with 91% of women and 79% of men aware it was a sexually transmitted infection. Just 35% of men knew about Chlamydia five years ago.
Chlamydia Test
London’s ONS collected data over 2005 and 2006 and revealed that women between the ages of 16 and 29 were likely to have had a Chlamydia Test in London and across the UK. One fifth of women surveyed said that they had had a Chlamydia Test at some point – 27% had been tested in the last year.
Why take a Chlamydia Test?
London is increasingly falling victim to STDs as viruses such as HIV are on the up. But although surveys have shown that younger women may not be as aware of HIV as they should be, young women are more likely to take a Chlamydia test in London and across the country than their older relatives and friends.
How to access a Chlamydia Test
Although it’s possible to go to specific STD clinics for a Chlamydia test, the rise in awareness has been put down to the National Chlamydia Screening Programme which was launched in 2003. Also, a Chlamydia Test for home use is now available.
- 37% of the people questioned said that they had increased their use of condoms as a result of raised awareness
- 9% had fewer one night stands and,
- 3% had a test for a sexually transmitted infection.
Although more people are aware of the importance of taking a Chlamydia Test, London’s Terrence Higgins Trust added that although it showed awareness campaigns can work, the UK’s sexually transmitted infection rates overall are continuing to rise.
Chlamydia – The silent infection
Despite increased awareness, it’s estimated that 13% of young men have Chlamydia – known as the ‘silent infection’. Many have no way of knowing they have it without taking a Chlamydia Test; London’s Department of Health are trying to target men through further education at colleges, armed forces bases and prisons. 12% of women are infected - if left untreated it can damage fertility in women and cause epididymitis (pain and swelling around the testicles) and Reiter's Syndrome (arthritis) in men.
If you would like more information on the Home Chlamydia Test please click here.
