A new strategy aimed at increasing the number of men in England screened for chlamydia has been launched.
Since 2003 the number of people tested for the sexually transmitted infection has risen but the proportion of men having checks still remains far too low.
Because young men rarely visit their GP or may be too embarrassed to ask for a chlamydia test, chlamydia screening will now be offered in colleges, universities, youth clubs and prisons.
To save further embarrassment men will also be able to order a chlamydia home test from the internet. The test requires a simple urine sample to be collected in the privacy of their own home, which is then sent away for analysis. The result is strictly confidential
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK. It is thought that one in eight men and one in 10 women carry the infection, many of whom do not even know that they have chlamydia.
Chlamydia still remains a more serious infection for women, although recent evidence suggests that male fertility can also be impaired as a result of infection.
If picked up early, chlamydia can be treated very easily with antibiotics and potentially eliminated.
It is hoped that awareness will be raised of the importance of screening men, both for their own sexual and reproductive health and to prevent infertility in women.
In 2003 around 18,000 people under the age of 25 were screened for chlamydia, only 7% of these were men.
In 2006/07 about a fifth of the 150,000 people screened were men.
Increasing the number of men tested for chlamydia is vital.
Young men need to be aware of the risks of chlamydia for themselves and for their partners. This will help prevent the spread of the infection and improve their sexual health.
Men are much harder to reach with screening, therefore they need to be actively targeted by offering chlamydia testing in less traditional settings.
It is crucial for more men to be screened in order for the chlamydia epidemic to be brought under control.
It is important for men and women to take the matter seriously so that men understand that is not just the responsibility of the woman.
According to the Terrence Higgins Trust, one in 10 men think chlamydia is a flower, so it's not surprising that so few of them are going for a chlamydia test!
They are delighted that there is this focus on young men, who may not realise that their health can be affected by chlamydia.
If you would like more information on the chlamydia home test please click here.
