Home tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea piloted by Hywel Dda

People who live in the Hywel Dda University Health Board area can send off for a chlamydia and gonorrhoea test kit that they can use at home and then post to the laboratory in the pre-paid envelope.

This pioneering service will run until 1,000 kits have been allocated. Those taking part will also be asked to complete a survey to help make a decision on the scheme's future.

Anyone who thinks their sexual health is at risk from chlamydia or gonorrhoea can ask for the free kit.

“If you think you may have been at risk of infection, it's advised you wait two weeks after potential exposure before providing a sample for testing,” says advice provided by the new service.

“The kit has everything you need for the test and once you’ve collected your sample you simply post it back, in the envelope provided, to the laboratory for testing. It’s freepost so you don’t need a stamp.”

Results of the test will be sent via text message and, if results are positive, the sexual health service will get in touch to arrange your free and confidential treatment and care.

The NHS advises everyone under 25 and sexually active to get tested for chlamydia annually or when they change partners.

The bacterial infection is often symptomless but can cause long-term health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) and infertility if left untreated.

The NHS says that one in ten infected men and almost half of infected women do not experience any symptoms of gonorrhoea.

Typical symptoms include a thick green or yellow discharge, pain when urinating and, in women, bleeding between periods.

If left untreated the infection can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby and can cause permanent blindness in a newborn baby.

For more information on the pilot scheme and to order a kit visit: www.friskywales.org/chlamydia-and-gonorrhoea-home-testing-pilot.html