29/07/2025 - Enter your ‘testing era’: Luton calls to normalise sexual health testing among women and girls with new pilot scheme
Luton Sexual Health, in partnership with Luton Council’s public health team, are calling for more sexually active women and girls under 25 to take up regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly chlamydia.
Chlamydia can be treated with a course of antibiotics. If not treated it can cause serious health problems. The harmful effects of chlamydia occur predominantly in women and other people with a womb or ovaries. An estimated 10-17% develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which increases the risk on infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
In 2023, less than 15% of females aged 15-24 in Luton were screened for chlamydia and Luton has one of the lowest screening rates in England. The NHS recommend testing after unprotected sex or after having sex with a new partner. To be sure of a correct result it’s best to wait 2 weeks after possible exposure before testing.
In our new pilot scheme, In My Testing Era, STI testing kits and display stands have been sent to three pharmacies in Luton: Westbourne Pharmacy, Calverton Pharmacy and Biscot Pharmacy. These are just the first pharmacies to receive the stands and kits, and we hope that we will be able to expand this scheme. Testing kits with EHC (the morning after pill) are also available at The Mall Pharmacy. In addition to this scheme, most pharmacies in Luton offer testing kits to those who ask at the counter.
People wanting to be tested for STIs are often already feeling anxious or stressed. By placing these collection areas in pharmacies, we’re making sure that picking up a test doesn’t add to their stress. Residents can walk into a pharmacy, grab a kit, and walk out without having to talk to any staff. While asking for a testing kit shouldn’t be embarrassing, many people do find that it is awkward for them, and with our new pilot they can avoid feeling that way. Alternatively, residents can order a kit to be delivered to their home. The kit arrives in plain packaging and is free of charge. Kits can be ordered online via www.sh.uk
Councillor Khtija Malik, portfolio holder for public health, said: “Our 2040 vision is for a healthy town, and one of the less talked about aspects of our health is our sexual health. Breaking the barriers and reducing health inequalities by making STI testing more accessible is vital to achieving our vision.
“This new pilot aims to empower our residents to take control of their sexual health, by making it easier than ever to get tested. The health of our residents is one of our top priorities, however our young women and girls need to be testing regularly in order for us to help them get the treatment and prevention services they deserve.”
Our partners at Luton Sexual Health also offer free testing in their clinic in Arndale House (accessible via Luton Point shopping centre), for those who prefer support with the process.