University Joins Drive to Clear Chlamydia

Bournemouth University has organised DIY Chlamydia Screening Tests for students, amid fears that Bournemouth is the Chlamydia capital of Dorset.

Students living in the University halls of residence were given specific days to go and get a quick test done, which involves a pee-in-a-pot for the men, or a self-taken swab for the women.

Matt Wilson, who lives in Cranbourne House, said “I think it’s a really good idea, it shows that the University care about the welfare of their students, and it’s so easy to do as well”

The screenings are part of the Bournemouth and Poole Primary Care Trust (PCT) drive to raise awareness of the disease and check those who are deemed to be at high risk – those between 16 and 25.

The organisation has been applauded for their innovative approach to testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections, which has proved popular with young people. The screenings are confidential and self-tested, and results are sent by text message.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease amongst young people in the UK, with diagnoses increasing 150% in the last ten years, and a large number of cases estimated undiagnosed.

Dolly Renahan, Chlamydia Screening Coordinator at the PCT, said: “Offering the Do-It-Yourself kit helps people who might be embarrassed to take the test and enables them to access follow-up treatment and advice about good sexual health.

“The vast majority of sexually active young people who test positive for Chlamydia have no symptoms. It is very easy to treat but can lead to serious problems if it goes undetected for a long time.”