Wiltshire residents can now check for more sexually transmitted infections (STIs) without the potentially awkward trip to a clinic.
Free home testing kits are being expanded to routinely include HIV and syphilis, meaning people can check their sexual health without even leaving the house.
Wiltshire Council is funding the trial, which will see the two infections added to the standard testing offer alongside chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Previously, HIV and syphilis tests were only offered to certain people, depending on how they answered screening questions.
Now, everyone using the service will routinely be offered tests for all four infections at least once a year, with more frequent testing available where needed.
And while Wiltshire has relatively low levels of STIs, the picture nationally is less reassuring.
Cases of syphilis have been rising across the country, prompting a national response from the UK Health Security Agency.
Increasing HIV testing is also a government priority, particularly among heterosexual people who have historically been less likely to be reached by testing campaigns.
The expanded service means residents can order a free kit online, take the tests discreetly at home and pop them back in the post.
Council officials hope the changes will encourage more people to get checked, reduce the stigma surrounding sexual health and help infections get diagnosed earlier.
The trial will also help health officials better understand testing needs across Wiltshire.
Wiltshire Sexual Health Service, known as WiSe, supports the expansion, which brings home testing into line with what is already available at face-to-face clinics.
Councillor Clare Cape, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “Making testing easier and more convenient is an important part of our work to improve sexual health in Wiltshire. People can take the tests discreetly in their own home, helping more people to get tested and, where necessary, receive an earlier diagnosis and treatment.”
For anyone who has been putting off getting checked, the expanded service means there is now one less reason to delay.
Free and confidential home STI testing kits can be ordered at www.sh.uk.
