Get testing yourself

Young people in Walsall are been encouraged to test themselves for Chlamydia – the most common sexually transmitted infection in England.  All residents aged between 18-20 years old have been sent a self-testing kit which simply requires them to provide a urine sample in the privacy of their own home which they then send back in a free-post envelope for analysis. The results are then sent back in confidence via their choice of text, letter, email or phone call.

Professor Sam Ramaiah, Director of Public Health for NHS Walsall, said: “Almost one in ten young men and women in Walsall have Chlamydia which if left untreated can lead to infertility, long-term pelvic pain and other serious health problems. If detected early the infection is easily treated with a course of antibiotics.  The idea behind posting the kits is to give young people the chance to take the test in the privacy of their own home. I would strongly recommend anyone who has received the kit and is sexually active to take the test. You might not think you have Chlamydia but most people who catch don’t know they’ve got it and there is only one to find out for certain – do the test.”

Although this round of mail outs targets 18-20 year olds, any young person aged between 15-24 living in Walsall can get a free kit by texting the word sure along with their name and address to 64446, by visiting www.rusureblackcountry.nhs.uk or calling 0800 694 0104.