Chlamydia self-testing kits for Spalding's young people

Description:

Young people in Spalding and South Holland can now have a chlamydia self testing kit sent to their home for the first time.

The new service is part of NHS Lincolnshire's ‘Do You Have It?' campaign which aims to persuade sexually active 15 - 24 year olds to consider whether they could be infected with the often symptomless infection.

One in twelve young people under 25 have chlamydia. But with no or very few symptoms, most people don't even know they have it. Left untreated, chlamydia can spread to other parts of the body and this can lead to long term health problems, such as infertility.

Central to the 'Do You Have It?' campaign is a dedicated website www.doyouhaveit.co.uk with information about chlamydia, how it spreads and how to get tested, in addition to information on sexual health and safe sex.

Visitors to the site can search for their nearest testing location or order a self testing kit to arrive in the post. There are also mobile phone numbers for young people to text or call for further information.

Michele Presbury, chlamydia screening co-ordinator for NHS Lincolnshire said "The new website makes it even easier for young people in Lincolnshire to get tested for chlamydia, without having to travel anywhere, or speak to anyone."

"It is important that the self testing kits are returned to us as soon as possible so free treatment can be arranged if they needed," she added.