Sexual Health Hounslow is teaming up with Hounslow Council to deliver a campaign that busts common myths around sexual health, sexually transmitted infections and contraception.
Sexual Health Hounslow (SHH), which is part of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, is teaming up with Hounslow Council to deliver a campaign that busts common myths around sexual health, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception. They’re also working with Sexual Health London (SHL) to promote free STI testing kits people can use at home.
The campaign launched today with an animated video and social media campaign that addresses common myths around sexual health, helping people to separate fact from fiction and raising awareness of STIs, contraception, and unwanted pregnancy.
Some of the myths out there include using the pull out method to avoid unwanted pregnancies, avoiding STIs by only having one partner, and even catching infections through toilet seats!
By fighting disinformation about sexual health, SHH and the Council want to give all young people the confidence to come forward and get tested for STIs. It’s important that young men and women both get tested regularly to keep everyone safe.
The option of ordering a home testing kit from the SHL website also helps young people avoid any feelings of embarrassment or anxiety they may have about testing. It’s free, confidential and can be done alone, or with a trusted friend.
STIs on the rise
With a 31% increase in STIs among people under 24 in Hounslow since 2020, SHH and the Council want to raise awareness of STIs and the availability of free home testing kits that people can order via Sexual Health London (SHL). STI testing is crucial for keeping STI rates down, even if people are displaying no symptoms.
One exception to this is chlamydia. Rates have steadily decreased due to an extensive programme of screening and the great work of services like SHH and SHL. There were 138 cases detected in Hounslow among girls aged 15-24 in 2024, down from 216 in 2020 – a decrease of 36%.
However, screening rates for chlamydia has started to drop. There were 1,889 screenings in 2024 among girls aged 15-24, down from 2,270 in 2021 – a decrease of 17%.
Councillor Lily Bath, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Transformation, said:
The video we’ve produced together busts some of the most prevalent myths about sexual health and unwanted pregnancy. It’s a powerful tool to keep young people informed and safe from illness.
Sexual health is just as important as physical and mental health, so it’s important we support people to look after theirs. I was pleased to see STI rates fall last year in Hounslow, in part due to Sexual Health Hounslow’s work.
But with screening rates for chlamydia falling, there’s no room for complacency. That’s why campaigns like this are so important and I hope you’ll all spread its vital messaging far and wide.
Dr Ellen Dwyer, Clinical Lead at Sexual Health Hounslow, said:
With this campaign, we want young people from all backgrounds to feel confident and empowered in relation to their sexual health. We want everyone to have a good understanding of potential risks, and how to avoid and overcome these.
We want to increase knowledge relating to STI testing and contraception use, and make young people aware that these can be accessed easily – not just in the traditional clinic environment, but also online and in pharmacies.
Anyone can order a free home testing kit for STIs on the Sexual Health London website.
