City Fans To Get Safer Sex Message

A team from Coventry Teaching Primary Care Trust's sexual health service will be handing out magazines and information packs as part of a drive to reduce STI's in the city, prior to the game against Norwich City.

The Chlamydia Screening Programme and Clinic in a Box team will be handing out information to supporters, including details of where they can get help and find out more on a range of conditions and contraceptive options.

Donna Reeves, Chlamydia screening programme co-ordinator, said:
“Chlamydia is the most common STI in Coventry and nationally currently affects as many as one in ten sexually active young men and women. “Many people are unaware of how serious this infection can be if left untreated, and what help and treatment is available. We hope to reach a lot of people at the match and raise awareness of this, other STI's, and sexual health in general. “Making positive choices about contraception and sexual health is important, not just for your physical health but also for your general wellbeing. Our sexual health affects our physical and psychological wellbeing and is central to some of the most important relationships in our lives.”

Coventry City's Managing Director Paul Fletcher underlined the Club's support for the program saying:.
“I believe that we have a moral and social responsibility to support a program such as this. “I hope that all of our fans get behind this initiative at this weekend's game against Norwich City to try and embrace a more positive future for the City of Coventry.”

The PCT's Chlamydia screening programme aims to control Chlamydia, often known as the silent STI because of its lack of symptoms, through early detection and treatment. Opportunistic screening is offered to to all sexually active young people in the city up to 25 years old. Since the programme began in December 2004, more than 2,700 people have been screened. Nationally, for every 100 people screened, 10 people test positive for the infection. In Coventry this rate is currently around 15.

As 70% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms of the infection, many people do not get themselves tested. The Clinic in a Box programme is a confidential nurse-led service for young people aged 11 to 19 who want advice and help on issues such as sexual health, contraception, general health and lifestyle. Drop in sessions are held in venues across the city.

For more information on both of the schemes, visit www.coventrypct.nhs.uk or call 024 7696 1326.