Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) Scotland is running a campaign to persuade young men between 16 and 24 years of age in Argyll & Bute, as elsewhere in Scotland,  to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

The scheme is funded by NHS Highland and aims to reduce undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) amongst young men because research suggests they are much less likely than young women to get checked out.

Chlamydia is the most common STI, affecting around 1 in 10 young people. In most cases it has no symptoms – so you could have chlamydia and not know it. While some people have no symptoms at all others have tell-tale signs which include pain when urinating or during sex, bleeding after sex and pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen. If untreated, chlamydia can cause serious health problems including infertility in men.

THT is encouraging men to order a free testing kit by visiting its website.The test is quick and easy. It involves taking a urine sample which is then sent off in a freepost envelope to the lab. Results are available in 1 to 2 weeks. For those who test positive for chlamydia or gonorrhoea, THT will discuss the easiest way to get treatment.

Katrina Mitchell, Health Promotion Officer at Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland says: ‘Chlamydia is at its highest level ever in Scotland with a 7% increase on last year alone. Most people taking a test at the moment are women so we need to do more to encourage men to get checked. That’s why we’re sending out test kits to make it as easy as possible for men to get checked out. We know it can be awkward to get to a clinic, so as well as the postal kits we’re also visiting bars and pubs so that men can take the test there and then’.

From July THT will also be out at pubs, clubs, colleges, community centres, places of work and sports and leisure centres, inviting young men to take the test.

To order a free test kit:

• visit the Terence Higgins Website
• call 0141 332 3838
• text 07818 287 053
• email info.argyllbute@tht.org.uk.

Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity with centres across Scotland, England and Wales.

It exists to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups.  It campaigns for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination. It promotes good sexual health as a right and reality for all.

Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. Donations may also be made via the THT website.

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