YOUNG people are urged to take advantage of free chlamydia testing to combat the disease in Dorset.

A hard-hitting campaign by Dorset NHS highlights the message ‘if you’ve ever had unprotected sex you could have chlamydia and not know it’.

The message will appear on buses, posters and leaflets to let people know how they can get a free test.

Chlamydia rarely shows symptoms so carriers are often unaware and this can cause fertility problems. In Dorset, between July 1, 2008, and September 30, 2008, there were 71 positive tests.

Dorchester Rugby Football Club players Luke Weller and James Rossiter were both cleared in tests and are enc-ouraging others to be tested.

Luke, 18, said: “Initially, we were a bit hesitant about getting tested but when we learned how simple it was and how serious the disease can be we were happy to go ahead.

“Although rugby players may have a bit of a laddish image – in common with other sportsmen, we do have to take our health seriously and that includes our sexual health.

“Even if it is for peace of mind I would certainly encourage everyone to get themselves checked whether they go to see their GP or do it at home.”

Deputy director of public health for NHS Dorset Ruth Howlett-Shipley also urged young people to get tested.

She said: “Often there are no symptoms for chlamydia so many people are unaware they are infected and may inadvertently pass it on to others. Unfortunately, this means that the disease is continuing to spread amongst the under-25s not just in Dorset but nationally.”

The best prevention against chlamydia is to follow safe sex guidance.

NHS Dorset has put together a network of 300 collection sites so testing kits can be picked up discretely.

The urine test can then be sent off in the freepost bag supplied and the whole process can be kept anonymous.

The results are given within two weeks and can be received by email, post, phone or text message.

If the results are positive then treatment will be offered in the form of antibiotics.

For more information visit www.free2under25.info or call 01305 816208.

WHAT IS IT?

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease. It affects both sexes, although young women are more at risk.

Chlamydia is almost always transmitted through sexual intercourse, so the likelihood of having the infection depends on sexual behaviour. It can be treated by antibiotics but it often has no symptoms in either men or women, so often remains undetected.