West Sussex urges more young women to take regular chlamydia tests

Young women in West Sussex are being encouraged to take regular chlamydia tests after screening rates among 15 to 24-year-olds fell over the past year.

West Sussex County Council is using Sexual Health Awareness Week to highlight concerns that fewer routine tests could mean infections are going undetected.

Screening rates among 15 to 24-year-olds in the county fell from 15.3 per cent in 2024 to 14.4 per cent in 2025.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK and rates are highest among sexually active young people aged between 15 and 24.

The infection often has no symptoms but, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications, particularly for women, including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

Kayleigh Nichols, a specialist sexual health nurse in West Sussex, said: “Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms, so regular testing is the only way to know whether you have the infection. We encourage all sexually active women in this age group to get tested every year or whenever they change sexual partners.”

To make testing easier, the council’s Public Health team and NHS partners are promoting free and discreet home testing kits.

Residents can order a kit online, complete it at home and return it free of charge using a prepaid envelope.

People aged between 15 and 24 can also collect free testing kits from 45 participating pharmacies across West Sussex.

If a test is positive, treatment can also be provided free at participating pharmacies.

Kayleigh Nichols added: “Home testing kits are quick, free, and easy to use, helping people access treatment early.

“Anyone who prefers face-to-face support, confidential advice, testing, and treatment can still approach their local sexual health clinic.”

Councillor Ian Davey, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said the drop in screening was concerning.

He said: “The fall in young people taking part in routine chlamydia screening is concerning, as left untreated, the infection can lead to serious reproductive complications, particularly for women.

“That’s why we’re encouraging young people to take advantage of these free, confidential services and make sexual health a routine part of looking after their wellbeing. Because testing is very simple, we hope more people will take this small step to protect their future health.”

Residents can find information about free home testing for chlamydia, syphilis, HIV and gonorrhoea, as well as clinic appointments, through West Sussex County Council’s sexual health services.

The council is also asking residents to help shape a new countywide sexual health plan aimed at reducing inequalities, improving access to services and supporting better health and wellbeing.

A public survey on the proposals https://yourvoice.westsussex.gov.uk/shsf-survey is open until Sunday 18 October.

Get the latest ALERTS for BREAKING NEWS in the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today! 

V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.