The number of young men tested in the NCSP has increased over the last five years to 30 per cent of those screened. We are committed to increasing this proportion even further and the “Men Too” Strategy Group works to achieve this aim.
In 2009 the NCSP will publish a practical guide to improving access to chlamydia screening for young men.
Some key messages from this guide are:
We know that young men
lack knowledge about chlamydia and chlamydia screening and have misconceptions about the nature of the test that are barriers to screening;
associate chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections with ‘dirtiness’ and ‘shame’;
feel pressure to present themselves as sexually successful rather than sexually responsible and to demonstrate an ability to take risks.
Therefore, to involve young men in chlamydia screening we need to:
Raise awareness of chlamydia.
Get the messages right. Time and again we hear that young men are worried about the ‘umbrella’ test. Clear simple messages with a strong call to action are most helpful.
Respect young men and their developing sexuality, encourage awareness of their sexual health needs and their responsibility to themselves and others.
Key messages for young men are:
‘Chlamydia screening is painless,
its free and its easy to do
so why not just do it’.
To view more information relating to the engagement of young men please click here
Research
Young Men Chlamydia Screening Programme. A Qualitative Evaluation amongst Young Men
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Chlamydia is often asymptomatic so a large proportion of cases remain undiagnosed, but infection can be diagnosed easily (young people can do the test themselves), and treated effectively.
To find your local Chlamydia Screening Office or to register with us enter your post code or select your region on the map
