Sexual Health Hounslow (SHH) launch Myth Busting Campaign

14 July 2025

SHH is teaming up with Hounslow Council to create 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.

Central to the campaign, the teams launched an animated video today which addresses common myths around sexual health, helping people to separate fact from fiction and raising awareness of STIs, contraception, and unwanted pregnancy.

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.

STIs on the rise

STI cases have risen in Hounslow in recent years, driven by an increase in infections among young people. Among people aged 24 and under, there were 1,919 STI diagnoses for all STIs excluding chlamydia in 2024, up from 1,464 in 2020 – an increase of 31%.

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, agrees – “With this campaign, we want young people from all backgrounds to feel confident and empowered in relation to their sexual health - 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 not just in the traditional clinic environment, but also online and in pharmacies.