Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has launched a new series of booklets today on sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  The ‘Get it checked. Get it treated’ booklets are on gonohorrea, chlamydia, herpes and NSU, providing clear and accessible information on symptoms, transmission, prevention and cure.

Although the booklets could help anyone, THT is particularly hoping to reach those most affected by STI’s - women under 25 and black and minority ethnic communities.  The booklets aim to reduce the time between symptoms of an STI being noticed and an STI being tested for and treated.

Marc Thompson, Programme Development Manager at THT said “STIs are on the increase in the UK so we wanted to produce some leaflets that give people the facts as clearly as possible.  The sooner STIs are picked up and treated, the less likely it is they will be passed on. We hope that colleges, universities and health centres will stock up on copies.”

Recent years have seen an alarming rise in the rates of chlamydia – one in ten sexually active young women are estimated to be infected and 75% of all gonorrhoea diagnoses among women in 2003 were under the age of 25.  STI’s also disproportionately affect some black and minority ethnic communities.

The new booklets will be available in THT regional centres and can be ordered in bulk from www.tht.org.uk/publications , alternatively individuals can get copies by calling THT Direct on 0845 12 21 200.

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