How this sexually transmitted infection is reaching epidemic proportions amongst the UK's young people - and the action we're taking.
Chlamydia is threatening young people’s health
One in 14 young people tests positive for chlamydia. It is known as the ‘silent infection’ as it usually has no symptoms. It can be easily passed on and if it is not treated, it can lead to a range of long-term health problems.
Under 25s account for the vast majority of cases, so efforts to tackle chlamydia should be particularly targeted at this age group. This includes Sex and Relationships Education (SRE), as well as a sustained commitment to test and treat more young people.
Screening should be maintained to reduce chlamydia rates
Chlamydia is very easy to diagnose with a simple urine test, which is collected and sent to a lab. If the result is positive, the young person is contacted, given antibiotics to treat the infection, helped to tell previous sexual partners and can be referred for tests for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Since 2003, more young people have been tested for chlamydia thanks to the National Chlamydia Screening Programme. In addition to screening in sexual health clinics, young people are offered tests in venues including colleges, youth services, GP surgeries and social settings to make testing easier.
Postal testing kits can also be ordered online or by phone and kits have been made available at pharmacies. 35 per cent of young people should be screened each year to reduce rates. The benefits of screening are starting to be seen as rates are now falling for the first time in 10 years. We want at least 35 per cent of 15 to 24-year-olds to continue to be screened for chlamydia each year to keep driving down rates in the long term.
Chlamydia screening can save the NHS money
The long-term health problems caused by chlamydia include infertility, ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease. These cost the NHS about £100 million each year to treat. This does not include the additional high costs of IVF treatment. 35 per cent screening coverage is considered necessary to save the NHS money in these overall treatment costs, as well as preventing the suffering caused by untreated chlamydia.
Chlamydia screening in the community is also cheaper than traditional tests in clinics. A visit to a specialist sexual health clinic for a chlamydia test costs the NHS well over £100. A test taken through screening costs about £50.
What we’re doing about it
From April 2013, local authorities will be responsible for chlamydia screening as part of their new public health role. The Department of Health have made chlamydia screening and diagnosis a key outcome indicator against which local authorities can track their performance on public health and to help them plan services.
We are making sure local authorities know that chlamydia screening should be a priority and showing them how to cost-effectively drive rates down.