Sex is great. But if you're going to do it, you should make sure it stays safe and fun. The best way to do that is to use condoms. This helps to protect you and your partner against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea and HIV, and it helps prevent unintended pregnancies.
Chlamydia is the most prevalent STI in the UK. The number of cases of chlamydia has trebled in the last decade, and now one in ten 16 to 24 year olds tested has got it. Many people with chlamydia have few or no symptoms and wouldn't even think to test for it, but just because you might not be able to see it or feel it doesn't mean you don't have it. And if it's left untreated, chlamydia can lead to more serious problems.
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The best way to be sure you don't have it, or to start treatment as soon as possible if you do, is to take a simple, free and painless test at one of the many screening centres across the country. To find your nearest venue, use the postcode search below. Or if you'd prefer, you could order a self-test postal kit to avoid going in for a screening.
It's also easy to get your results back discretely. Most of the screening centres offer to contact you confidentially about your results by telephone, letter, e-mail or text message, whichever you prefer, and some can provide them securely online. It's really easy to test, and to be treated if you've got it, so it's best just to be sure that you're in the clear.
It's also easy to get your results back discretely. Most of the screening centres offer to contact you confidentially about your results by telephone, letter, e-mail or text message, whichever you prefer, and some can provide them securely online. It's really easy to test, and to be treated if you've got it, so it's best just to be sure that you're in the clear.
