Chlamydia testing in contraceptive clinics: who where how and why? [editorial]

We have been appalled by the crisis in sexual health we have heard about and witnessed during our inquiry. We do not use the word ‘crisis’ lightly but in this case it is appropriate. This is a major public health issue and the problems identified in this report must be addressed immediately.” Chlamydia is the commonest sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. Between 2001 and 2002 there was a 14% rise in the number of cases of chlamydia diagnosed at genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics. The highest rates are seen in young people especially women aged under 25 years. In 2002 16–19-year-old females had the highest chlamydia rate at about 1% of females seen at clinics. However since the data given are collected from GUM clinics rather than on a population basis the real extent of the problem is unknown and research in the community suggests that about 5–10% of girls in this age group are infected (and therefore substantial numbers are generally undiagnosed). In response to this the second wave of the chlamydia screening programme has been announced. This is not a screening programme by invitation (unlike cytology or breast screening). It is an opportunistic testing programme that involves contraceptive clinics and general practice as well as some other sites in the geographical areas participating. (excerpt)