National Chlamydia Screening Programme Aims To Target More Men With New Strategy, UK

Main Category: Sexual Health / STDs
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses;  Conferences;  Men's health
Article Date: 12 Nov 2007 - 11:00 PDT

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The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) is to launch a new strategy aimed at increasing the number of men screened for the sexually transmitted infection.

The strategy will be launched at the NCSP's fourth annual conference "How do you solve a problem like chlamydia?" to be held at the QEII Centre in London on November 9.

Since the inception of the NCSP in 2003 the number of men aged under 25 accessing screening has increased each year, from 7% in 2003/04 to 21.1% in 2006/07. However, the proportion of men screened remains low in comparison to young women.

Chlamydial infection in men can cause epididymitis which causes pain in one or both testicles. Research is limited on the effects of the infection in men and the possible role of chlamydia in male infertility. Recent evidence has suggested that fertility in men can be impaired as a result of infection.

The strategy will aim to:

- raise awareness of the importance of screening men, both for their own sexual and reproductive health and to contribute to preventing reproductive morbidity in women;

- engage with the local NHS to ensure men can access screening;

- develop best practice in providing chlamydia screening for men.

Dr Mary Macintosh , Director of the programme said:

"The number of young men being screened for chlamydia has been increasing year on year but there is still work to be done to ensure that this number continues to rise. "

"It is crucial that young men are aware of the risks of chlamydia for themselves and for their partners. This will help prevent the spread of the infection and improve their sexual health."

Launch Of New Website

The NCSP will also be launching its new website at the conference. http://www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk provides information on chlamydia screening to sexual health professionals and to the under 25s. The website features a postcode finder which enables young people to find their local screening venue. It also features comprehensive information on chlamydia and how it can affect health.

Notes:

1. The NHS Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) is managed nationally by the Health Protection Agency . The NCSP is currently being rolled out to all PCTs in England . The NHS NCSP offers free test and treatment to under-25s across England via many venues including community contraceptive services, GPs, youth clinics and pharmacies.

2. To the end of September 2007 the NCSP has 65 programme areas established and reporting screening to the HPA. This covers 78% of PCTs (118) in England . The NCSP expects to see 86 programme areas by the end of 2007. This will cover the whole of England . Almost half a million screens have been carried out since the programme was launched. There are 20 types of screening venue with 7, 589 sites, up from 3,422 sites registered for screening in September 2006.

3. Genital chlamydial infection is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium, chlamydia trachomatis . Of those with symptoms of genital chlamydia, women may experience some unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, pain when passing urine and lower abdominal pain. Men may experience discharge from the penis, burning and itching in the genital area, and pain when passing urine. Symptoms may persist but in some cases, they may only last for a few days then disappear.

4. The annual conference takes place on November 9 at the QE2 Conference Centre in London . Dr Mary Macintosh , Director of the NCSP and Dr Jan Clarke, Chair of the National Chlamydia Screening Advisory Group will be available for interview during the day.

http://www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk