09/04/2010
Chlamydia Screening Warning
Annual chlamydia screening may not protect women from pelvic inflammatory disease, new research has claimed.
The British Medical Journals said it is unlikely that single screening for chlamydia will prevent women developing the disease in the following year.
The study concludes that most cases of pelvic inflammatory disease occurred in women who did not have chlamydia infection when they were screened, suggesting they may have become infected later.
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the USA and Europe with over 3 million new infections diagnosed each year.
The infection often has no symptoms and remains undiagnosed. This is concerning because untreated chlamydia in women can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can result in infertility, chronic pelvic pain and ectopic pregnancy.
Report author Jessica Sheringham, from University College London, said: "It is disappointing but not surprising that this study could not provide a clear answer as to whether screening is effective in reducing the incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease."
Ms Sheringham said doubt remains on whether screening can reduce the prevalence of chlamydia and that further research is needed to improve understanding of chlamydia and its associated reproductive health risks.
(PR/BMcC)
The British Medical Journals said it is unlikely that single screening for chlamydia will prevent women developing the disease in the following year.
The study concludes that most cases of pelvic inflammatory disease occurred in women who did not have chlamydia infection when they were screened, suggesting they may have become infected later.
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the USA and Europe with over 3 million new infections diagnosed each year.
The infection often has no symptoms and remains undiagnosed. This is concerning because untreated chlamydia in women can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can result in infertility, chronic pelvic pain and ectopic pregnancy.
Report author Jessica Sheringham, from University College London, said: "It is disappointing but not surprising that this study could not provide a clear answer as to whether screening is effective in reducing the incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease."
Ms Sheringham said doubt remains on whether screening can reduce the prevalence of chlamydia and that further research is needed to improve understanding of chlamydia and its associated reproductive health risks.
(PR/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 February 2005
Chlamydia screening to be made available in pharmacies
Public Health Minister, Melanie Johnston, has announced plans to make chlamydia screening available in high street pharmacies. Independent health care providers are being invited to submit bids to pilot the new scheme in community pharmacieis throughout London and Cornwall, in order to make chlamydia screening more available to young men and women.
Chlamydia screening to be made available in pharmacies
Public Health Minister, Melanie Johnston, has announced plans to make chlamydia screening available in high street pharmacies. Independent health care providers are being invited to submit bids to pilot the new scheme in community pharmacieis throughout London and Cornwall, in order to make chlamydia screening more available to young men and women.
24 August 2005
Boots to provide free chlamydia screening
High Street pharmacy chain Boots has been awarded a government contract to provide free screening for chlamydia. Boots the Chemists will provide the free and confidential service in all its London pharmacies from November. The service is part of a Department of Health initiative to make it easier for 16-24-year-olds to be tested for the disease.
Boots to provide free chlamydia screening
High Street pharmacy chain Boots has been awarded a government contract to provide free screening for chlamydia. Boots the Chemists will provide the free and confidential service in all its London pharmacies from November. The service is part of a Department of Health initiative to make it easier for 16-24-year-olds to be tested for the disease.
15 January 2004
Chlamydia screening programme widens
Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson today announced further roll-out of the chlamydia screening programme to cover 16 new areas of England. Chlamydia is the country's most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with as many as one-in-10 people infected with the disease.
Chlamydia screening programme widens
Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson today announced further roll-out of the chlamydia screening programme to cover 16 new areas of England. Chlamydia is the country's most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with as many as one-in-10 people infected with the disease.
07 February 2006
Womb cancer increase causes concern
Survival rates for womb cancer are increasing, according to a report, but there are concerns that the disease is increasing among the over-60s. Cancer Research UK reported that five-year survival rates for womb cancer have risen to 77% - an improvement of 16% in the past 30 years.
Womb cancer increase causes concern
Survival rates for womb cancer are increasing, according to a report, but there are concerns that the disease is increasing among the over-60s. Cancer Research UK reported that five-year survival rates for womb cancer have risen to 77% - an improvement of 16% in the past 30 years.
11 June 2003
Sexual health of England in 'rapid decline'
A report by an influential Commons health committee has claimed that the sexual health of population in England is in "rapid decline". In the report published today, the committee said that syphilis rates have increased by 500% in the last six years and those for gonorrhoea have doubled.
Sexual health of England in 'rapid decline'
A report by an influential Commons health committee has claimed that the sexual health of population in England is in "rapid decline". In the report published today, the committee said that syphilis rates have increased by 500% in the last six years and those for gonorrhoea have doubled.