Pharmacies in Falmouth and Penryn are trialling a scheme to help young people get tested to enable detection and treatment of undiagnosed chlamydia.

Chlamydia remains the most frequently diagnosed sexually transmitted infection. Young people are most affected, especially those aged 15 to 24 years, but most people don’t realise they have it, as it often has no symptoms.

If left undetected and untreated it may lead to serious health complications. It also means it is more likely to be passed on unknowingly. As many as one in 12 young people tested are found to have the infection.

Six pharmacies across the county, including Boots in Falmouth, Truro and Hayle, and Hendra's in Penryn, are taking part in a three month trial to target women aged 15 to 24. Pharmacies were chosen to take part because they are easy for young people to get to due to their locations and opening hours. Chlamydia tests will be offered to young women who are accessing emergency contraception where there is a greater risk of chlamydia infection.

Lindsay Knight, chlamydia screening co-ordinator at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust, said: “We hope that young women will choose to take this opportunity to do something really valuable for their sexual health and wellbeing.

"Chlamydia often has no symptoms and left untreated can cause problems including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. The only way to find out if you have chlamydia is to do a test, and this self–taken test is easy, free and confidential. Our young people friendly team will support and advise anyone who receives a positive result, and the treatment is also easy, effective and free.”

Philip Yelling, chief officer, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly local pharmaceutical committee, added: “This pilot is really important in helping us understand what pharmacies can do locally to help improve sexual health and reduce the spread of infection in Cornwall. Young people may find it easier to drop into a local pharmacy where they can already access emergency contraception, condoms and other health services to help them stay healthy.”

Cllr Andrew Wallis, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We hope that by offering chlamydia testing at a time when there may be an increased risk of infection may help young women consider the benefits of testing and make it more convenient for them. Reviewing and evaluating this pilot will help us to further understand what young people in Cornwall need to improve their sexual health.”

Young people who are sexually active should test for chlamydia annually and with every change of partner. Chlamydia tests are currently available at many health services including GP services, contraceptive and sexual health services such as Brook and Royal Cornwall Hospital Trusts Sexual Health Hub and online at freetest.me.