Don’t let an STI ruin your New Year
Two weeks have passed since the parties of the festive season, the perfect incubation period for many sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia. So 4YP Bristol is urging young people to make their new year’s resolution one that’s good for their health – to get tested for STIs.
1 in 12 sexually active young people tested in Bristol have chlamydia and it is the most commonly diagnosed STI in the UK. Many of those with the infection may not even know they have it, as it often has no symptoms. It’s easy to catch, through any genital contact, and you don’t have to have had lots of sexual partners to be at risk.
If left untreated, it can have serious long term health implications and may lead to infertility. In Bristol 15-24 year olds can get free ‘self-tests’ where men simply pee in a pot and women take a vaginal swab and these can be picked up from GPs, Clinics and pharmacies.
Karl Pye, Chlamydia screening co-ordinator for NHS Bristol says:
“Your new year celebrations may have left you with more than a hangover. If you’ve had sexual contact with someone new or just never been tested you could have an STI. Now is an ideal time to get tested because its 14 days after New Year and infections, such as chlamydia, can take two weeks to show up.
“Chlamydia is very easy to catch but the good news is that under 25s can get a free test from their local pharmacy or GP practice. If you have caught it we can treat it easily with antibiotics. Plus if you want a full STI check up, whatever your age, you can get tested at one of the many NHS sexual health clinics in the city.”
Bristol Sexual Health services run clinics across the city for people of all ages who want STI testing and treatment. Most also run young people’s drop-ins.
13-24 year olds can also access 4YP Bristol services. The website is packed full of information and there are also over 150 4YP points across the city including 4YP pharmacies where young people can pick up chlamydia tests for free.
So if your new year’s resolution is to get healthy in 2012, why not start with your sexual health?
