STIQ Day Launches 14th January

14 th January 2010 sees the launch of a new initiative, STIQ Day, that aims to promote awareness of the serious issue of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and encourages people to get tested and, if needed, treated for STIs.

14 th January was chosen as STIQ Day because many common STIs such as Chlamydia can take two weeks to be detectable. This makes 14 th January the perfect prompt to get a test for anyone whose festive season included unprotected sex, also it is one month before Valentine’s Day. With thoughts turning to love on 14 th February, anyone hoping to enjoy the celebrations to the full should do so knowing that they are infection free and will not be putting someone else’s sexual health in danger.

The reason for founding STIQ Day is that instances of infection are increasing at an alarming rate, regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation. STIs are at record levels in the UK with statistics showing instances of infection are set to continue to grow. Recent reports have suggested that a new case of Chlamydia, which is a possible cause of infertility if left untreated, is diagnosed in the UK every 5 minutes.

STIQ Day is supported by The STI Clinic, The Terrence Higgins Trust, Mates Condoms and Freedom Health. People can find out more about STIs, including facts about infections, treatment and ways of being tested at the STIQ website – www.stiq.co.uk.

ENDS

For more information on STIQ Day please contact Rachel Clayton at ENS on 020 7934 9031 / Rachel@ensltd.com

EDITOR’S NOTES: more information and images are available on request. Medical spokespeople are available for comment or interview. Please see below for an overview of the four main options for testing.

• NHS Screening /Local GP: People registered with a GP can make an appointment and ask to be tested for Chlamydia. Usual prescription charges apply
• Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinics (GUM): GUM clinics offer both HIV and STI testing along with advice and support as well as information about all aspects of sexual health. GUM clinic services are free, confidential and can be anonymous if required. However since most operate a ‘drop in’ service, visits can be time consuming and appointments can be hard to get.
• Online Testing: This is the fastest growing method with www.theSTIclinic.com being the market leader. Tests and treatment are available online / by post and are quick – it can take as little as a few days to register, get tested and treated – but there is a small charge levied for the service.
• Community Testing: The Terrence Higgins Trust has set up “ Fastest clinics” all around the country. Each clinic offers particular tests targeted at the needs of local communities, including tests for Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, Hepatitis, HIV or a full sexual health screening.