Sexual health testing kits now easier to access in the community
Sexual health and blood borne virus testing kits are now available in community pharmacies, making it even easier for people to get tested.
There are two types of free test kits available, with or without blood testing facilities, for those aged 16 and over.
Under 16s can see their school nurse or visit the sexual health clinic.
The packs offer testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C and people can choose which tests they wish to do.
The tests can be done privately in the comfort of their own home, before being posted for free so it can be analysed.
Pictured: Samantha Eames, healthcare assistant for integrated sexual health services.
A range of community pharmacies and community settings across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot provide the kits. People can also order them online and have them delivered to their home.
Joanne Hearne, sexual health lead nurse for primary care and community services, said: “It doesn’t matter if the kits have been ordered online or picked up from a pharmacy, they are both sent off in the post to be analysed.
“Once the tests have been posted, if the results are negative then the person will receive a text message to tell them.
“If anything comes back positive, our sexual health department will be notified, and we will contact the person and arrange for them to come in for their required treatment.
“The tests are now even more convenient to pick up and can be done comfortably at home.
“If people would rather be seen by our sexual health team or if they experience problems with testing at home, they can contact us on 0300 555 0279 or fill out a referral form on the health board website.”
Joanne stressed the importance of getting tested to help treat any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as early as possible, as some can lead to further health issues.
“Early detection is the best approach,” she added.
“We have seen a rise in the rates of syphilis. Where people aren’t getting tested early enough, it is leading to more serious problems with eyesight and hearing.
“But it is just a simple finger-prick blood test to make sure they are clear, and treatment is with antibiotics.
“A lot of these STIs are curable but it is important for people to test regularly.”
Regular testing can also help to reduce the risk of transmission of these infections to other people.
Joanne said: “Testing is so important, even for those who haven’t got symptoms.
“It is important to test regularly so we can pick up these infections early to prevent the risk of transmission to other people and the wider spread of infection.
“The kits are really easy to use and are convenient to access either being delivered to their home or collected in the community.”
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.