NHS Norfolk is urging women to be tested for Chlamydia every time they meet a new sexual partner.

Julie Hughes, NHS Norfolk’s Sexual Health Commissioning Manager, welcomed research published recently in the British Medical Journal, which warned that annual screening alone is not enough for women to protect themselves against the disease.

About 65% of all new Chlamydia diagnoses are in people between the ages of 16 and 24.

Many people who have Chlamydia do not realise – it is often called the ‘silent’ disease due to the lack of noticeable symptoms. In women it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which can cause infertility. If detected early enough, it can usually be treated with a dose of antibiotics.

Julie said: “We urge all young people between 15 and 24 to complete a Chlamydia test every time they begin seeing a new sexual partner. Young people should not only be tested after unprotected sex, but also after sexual contact. You do not have to have full sexual intercourse to contract Chlamydia.”

She added: “Getting tested for Chlamydia is easy, confidential, painless and it is free on the NHS if you are between the ages of 15 and 24.

“A Chlamydia test kit is easy to obtain, and use. You just provide a urine sample in the pot and post it free of charge for testing. It is better to be safe than carry an infection which can cause problems later on.

“We welcome this research published in the British Medical Journal, and are keen to stress the importance of having regular tests for Chlamydia.”

About 50% of men and 70% of women who have the infection will have no symptoms at all and many others have symptoms so minor, they go unnoticed.

Test kits can be also be obtained from a range of community outlets such as GPs and pharmacies, by logging on to www.areyougettingit.com, by texting “screen” with your name and address to 80010 or by phoning 01603 221830.

For more details about the research visit the British Medical Journal website at www.bmj.com