New campaign
encourages under-25s to say “yes” to chlamydia tests
One in five people don’t realise catching chlamydia can affect a
woman’s fertility, according to a survey out today to mark the
launch of a new sexual health advertising campaign.
The Populus survey of 2,000 young adults and parents shows that
superficial knowledge and a casual attitude to the most prevalent
STI in England could be risking the nation’s sexual health. Last
year alone nearly 60,000 15 - 24 year olds tested positive for the
infection [1].
The survey found that:
• Two thirds (65 per cent) don’t use a
condom when they have sex with a new partner for the first time
• Nine out of ten (90 per cent) don’t get tested for STIs
before starting a new relationship, leaving themselves and their
partner at risk
• More than three quarters of young people (78 per cent) are
aware that chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed STI in England
The study, conducted on behalf of the Department of Health and
the Department for Children, Schools and Families marks the launch
of a new advertising campaign, Chlamydia. Worth Talking About
Supported by the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP),
the campaign encourages greater acceptance of chlamydia screening
among 15 - 24 year olds.
Gillian Merron, Public Health Minister, said:
“Chlamydia is
a silent infection that can have serious consequences. Young
people sometimes feel too embarrassed to ask for the test even
though they know it is one of the most common sexually transmitted
infections in the UK.
“The Government’s Chlamydia. Worth Talking About campaign is
designed to encourage normal conversations about sexual health,
relationships, contraceptive choices and protection against STIs.”
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that more than a third of
parents of 15 - 24 year olds (41 per cent) have not spoken to
their children about any STIs. Furthermore, one in five (20%)
believe their son or daughter isn’t the type of person to sleep
around and 14% believe he or she isn’t having sex at all. This is
despite the fact that the overwhelming majority (76 per cent) are
aware that chlamydia is widespread among young people.
Children’s Minister Dawn Primarolo said:
“We want parents
and professionals to encourage young people to have open and frank
conversations about contraception and sexual health and to help
remove the stigma associated with sensitive problems such as
chlamydia.
“I hope that this campaign not only helps to
raise awareness of the dangers of undetected chlamydia, but that
it encourages many more young people to be tested.”
Sex and relationship expert Dr Catherine Hood, said:
“Despite knowing how common chlamydia is, many young adults
are worryingly indifferent to the potentially serious consequences
of catching and leaving chlamydia untreated. Chlamydia often has
no symptoms and so I’m urging all sexually active under-25s to say
‘yes’ to a chlamydia test. I’m urging parents to realise the risks
of STIs and the benefits of testing, and talk to their children
about it.
“Chlamydia often doesn’t have any symptoms and if left untreated
it can lead to infertility, long-term pelvic pain and other
serious health problems. GPs and nurses are routinely offering
15-24 year olds a chlamydia test when they see them – it’s nothing
personal and completely normal to accept one. Remember, condoms
are the only protection against STIs.”
The new campaign seeks to address the fact that one in seven (14
per cent) of the young people surveyed admit they are worried
about accepting a chlamydia test because they are not sure what’s
involved. Almost the same number (16 per cent) say they would find
it embarrassing. The campaign will highlight the fact that
chlamydia tests are completely confidential and involve nothing
more than providing a quick urine sample.
Chlamydia. Worth Talking About is supported by the NCSP and
follows the Contraception. Worth Talking About campaign, launched
in November by the Department of Health and the Department for
Children, Schools and Families. The TV, radio, print and digital
campaign highlights the fact that chlamydia often doesn’t have any
symptoms and urges people to accept a test when they are offered
one. It will also remind people that testing and treatment for
chlamydia is easy and painless.
Though there is still work to be done in tackling high rates of
infection, good progress has been made by the NCSP. Figures reveal
more than 3,000 young people are already accepting a test every
day [2]. Young people can expect to be offered a chlamydia test at
over 22,000 testing sites in England including local pharmacies,
doctors’ surgeries, hospitals and clinics [3].
For information around chlamydia testing, contraception all
information about sexual health, visit www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout
[1] Annual report of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme
in England 2008/09
[2] Annual report of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme
in England 2008/09
[3] 22789 sites as at Dec 2009 [NCSP]
Notes to Editors
1. For media enquires please contact DH press office on 020 7210 5649.
2. The first phase of the campaign, Contraception. Worth
Talking About was launched inNovember and aimed to
increase young people’s awareness of the different types of
contraception and remind them that they won't be
protected against STIs unless they use a condom.
Case study: Adam Child, 25, T4’s Shipwrecked
‘Shipwrecker of the Year’ in 2008, has caught chlamydia twice in
the past by not wearing a condom
The first time I caught chlamydia I was only 15. The girl I slept
with was part of my extended group of friends, and as we knew each
other I didn’t want to embarrass her and ruin the moment by
suggesting I use a condom. Afterwards, my mates told me she had
got chlamydia. Although I didn’t have any symptoms, I got tested
and found out I had it, too.
At 18 I caught chlamydia again. I’d mostly been careful, but
wasn’t really aware of the risks and had unprotected sex a couple
of times.
Now I get tested regularly – everyone should – and want to raise
awareness of just how easy it is to catch chlamydia. If chlamydia
isn’t caught and treated it can be really serious for girls and
guys. Getting tested just involves peeing in a pot; it’s easy and
completely confidential.
About the research
Populus interviewed a sample of 1,243 people aged 15-24 and 1,265
parents of people aged 15-24 online between 15 th and 21 st
December 2009. The data have been weighted to be representative of
young people aged 15-24 and all adults in England. Populus is a
member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. For
more details please go to www.populus.co.uk
About Dr Catherine Hood
Dr.Catherine Hood is qualified in all areas of general medicine
and is an expert in relationships and sexual health. She gives
weekly advice through her regular page as the Sunday Mirror’s Sex Doctor.
Catherine trained in medicine at Oxford University where she
continued to work as a lecturer in communication and a clinical
tutor in general practice, helping the doctors to talk effectively
with their patients. She continues to see patients in sexual
health clinics and is trained in psychosexual medicine.
About the NCSP
The NCSP in England aims to
Prevent and control chlamydia through early detection and
treatment of asymptomatic infection;Reduce onward transmission to
sexual partners;Prevent the consequences of untreated infection.
The NCSP aims to ensure that all sexually active men and women
under 25 years of age are aware of chlamydia, its effects, and
have access to services providing screening, prevention and
treatment to reduce their risk of infection or onward
transmission.
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk