THE NHS this week started writing to 44,000 young people urging them to take a DIY home Chlamydia test as cases of the sexually transmitted infection continue to soar.
Central Essex Community Services, a community interest company that provides NHS services to more than 370,000 people, wants thousands of 16 to 24-year-olds to take the quick test after new statistics revealed the number of people with the often symptomless infection had doubled in the past decade.
Sexual health nurse consultant at CECS, Kez Spelman said: "With the unsettling figures, the use of the new NHS kit will allow young members of the public to take the test privately in their own homes, which will allow professionals to tackle the virus early. If left untreated, it can lead to serious long-term health problems such as infertility."
New results show there was a 50 per cent increase in cases of the STI between 2002 and 2011 nationally, while a tenth of 16 to 24-year-olds have the infection,
The Chlamydia kit was available from yesterday and will include an information leaflet, an instruction manual, a sample container, a discreet cover and a post return box.
Mr Spelman added: "The test has never been easier and our community sexual health service is now in the position to offer five different ways to request a testing kit – online, by text, by e-mail, by phone or in person at one of our clinics. I would urge people to take up this offer, the test is quick and easy to do and the treatment simple and effective."
