-
Under 25s are risking their partner's sexual health by not telling them if they have a sexually transmitted infection because they are embarrassed. A new NHS survey shows that 16% of this age group would not tell the person that they are sleeping with if they found out they had the STI, Chlamydia; while 19% are "not sure".
However Chlamydia has serious health consequences. Left untreated, Chlamydia can prevent both men and women from being able to have children and other health problems such as arthritis. Yet the NHS poll shows nearly a quarter (24%) of under 25s would not tell their previous sexual partners that they had Chlamydia, even if they thought they were at risk of infection.
Men were much more likely to stay silent about the infection than women. 21% would not tell the person that they are currently sleeping with, while 21% said that they weren't sure. Over a quarter (29%) said they would not tell a previous sexual partner if they were at risk of being infected (compared to 19% of women).
The survey is published to coincide with MAYbe month, the start of a new NHS campaign to combat the spread of Chlamydia, the most prevalent and fastest growing STI among under-25-year-olds. Throughout May, the boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham & Westminster have been holding an intensive Chlamydia screening drive and information campaign to ensure that people get tested and treated for Chlamydia.
Chris Morgan of Westside Contraceptive Services, who supply screening services to the NHS, says: "Anyone who has ever had unprotected sex, including oral sex, can have Chlamydia. It usually does not have any symptoms, so it is very difficult to know if you or the person you are sleeping with has it. As the survey shows, you can't always rely on your partner to be honest with you about their sexual health. The only way to be sure that you don't have Chlamydia is to get tested.
"The test for Chlamydia is quick, easy and confidential. One urine sample shows if you've got Chlamydia and it can be easily treated with one dose of antibiotics. If you are aged 16 - 24 and live in West London you can get a free test by post, from your GP or participating pharmacists or from Westside Contraceptive Services’ clinics.
Despite being physically intimate, under 25s appear to be shy when it comes to talking about their sexual health. The majority (64%) of under 25s who had unprotected sex in the last six months did not ask the person that they were sleeping with about their sexual history. Almost half (47%) of men and women surveyed also admitted that embarrassment was the main reason they would not tell their partner they had Chlamydia.
Chris Morgan continues: "Embarrassment is not an excuse to put another person’s health at risk. Chlamydia can have severe health consequences if it is left untreated, stopping both men and women from having children and causing arthritis."
Around one in ten people aged under 25, who are tested for it, have Chlamydia. The National Chlamydia Screening Programme recommends that all sexually active young people have a Chlamydia test every year or when they change sexual partners, regardless of whether they have any signs or symptoms.