We're supporting Brighton & Hove STI Testing Week, running from Monday 4 to 10 November, with the aim to encourage sexually active residents to get tested for sexually transmitted infections.
According to PHEs figures earlier this year, our city has higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than the average rates for rest of England and our neighbours at 1,141 per 100,000 residents. This compares to a rate of 694 per 100,000 in England, and 933 per 100,000 among our nearest neighbours.
Councillor Tristram Burden, Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, Public Health, and Service Transformation, said: “Sexually transmitted infections are not uncommon among people who are sexually active. Our city has higher rates than our neighbours, and the nation.
“I’m calling on people to be mindful of their own health and the health of others and get tested regularly to be sure you’re STI free. You can have an STI without knowing it and the best way to find out is by testing.
“The most common ones are chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
“The recommendation is to screen for STIs between partners or every 3 months. Everyone should get an STI screen including an HIV test at least once a year if they have new or casual partners.
“Brighton & Hove’s Sexual Health & Contraception Service (SHAC) is free, confidential & open to everyone.”
Testing is quick, easy and important because by detecting an infection you can get treated quickly.
If you are over 18, you can order an online testing pack from SHAC or you can use the community testing clinic at Terrence Higgins Trust in Ship Street.
