At what age does the RACGP recommend routine chlamydia screening for women?

Routine chlamydia screening for women is recommended by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners for those under 25 years of age. This recommendation is based on epidemiological data indicating that younger women are at a higher risk of chlamydia infection due to factors such as greater likelihood of having multiple sexual partners and lower rates of consistent condom use.

Screening at this age is crucial as chlamydia is often asymptomatic, and untreated infections can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and increased susceptibility to HIV. By targeting women under 25, the health system aims to reduce the prevalence of chlamydia in the community, improve early detection and treatment, and ultimately lower the incidence of associated health complications.

This age threshold reflects a significant public health strategy aimed at protecting young women’s reproductive health, aligning with broader sexual health initiatives in Australia.