Young people in Hastings and Rother to get sexual health advice through post

The public health team at both East Sussex Downs and Weald and Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust (PCT) is sending everyone in that age range a postcard, detailing ways in which they can get a free test for chlamydia.

These include filling in the postcard with their name and address to get a free testing pack, calling the chlamydia line on freephone 0800 612 668 to get a free testing pack, going to their local GP.

The testing service is free and confidential and people will only be contacted if they test positive.

People can choose to get their result by text message and treatment is a simple course of anti-biotics.

Joanne Bernhaut, consultant in public health for East Sussex, said: "Chlamydia is an infection that is easy to treat. It is picked up through sexual activity, not just intercourse.

"Sometimes there are no symptoms and if it is not treated it can lead to long term problems, including pain and fertility problems in women."

Diana Grice, director of public health for East Sussex, said: "Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection, with as many as 1 in 10 under 25s having it.

"We are urging all young people under 25 to have a free, easy test as part of the 'Chlamydia free' campaign across East Sussex.

"The test is pain free and involves a urine sample for men and a swab for women.

"Remember, the best way to avoid contracting chlamydia, and other sexual transmitted infections, is to use a condom."

An advertising campaign on buses and billboards will also be running over the next few weeks.