To mark Sexual Health Week 2009 (14-20 September), HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will be taking to the streets of Shropshire to encourage local people to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). As well as handing out condoms and safer sex information at locations across Telford and Shrewsbury, THT staff and volunteers will also be inviting local young people to take a test for the STI chlamydia.

During testing, a urine sample for the infection can be taken in the nearest public toilet. Samples will then be posted off to the lab, with the results available within a week. For those who test positive, THT will provide antibiotics to treat the infection free of charge.

In 2007, those in the 16-24 age bracket accounted for nearly half of all STIs in the UK, and approximately one in twelve under 25s in the UK has undiagnosed chlamydia. Part of the reason chlamydia is so widespread is that most people with the infection have no symptoms, and it only takes one sexual encounter to pass it on. If left untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, including infertility.

The THT sexual health stall will tour the following locations:

- Tuesday 15th September - Telford Shopping Centre, Telford
- Thursday 17th September - Shrewsbury College, Shrewsbury
- Friday 18th September - Charles Darwin Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury

Jane Morel, Regional Manager for THT in the Midlands, said: “Many young people feel nervous about taking an STI test, but they needn’t. Most modern tests are quick and non-invasive; after they’ve done it once, people often wonder what they were so worried about. We hope that, by actually getting out onto the streets and showing young people how easy it is, they’ll be encouraged to test for STIs year after year.”