STAY safe and sexy this summer is the message for under 25 year olds in a drop-in campaign to help combat one of the fastest growing sexually-transmitted diseases among young people.

STAY safe and sexy this summer is the message for under 25 year olds in a drop-in campaign to help combat one of the fastest growing sexually-transmitted diseases among young people.

People under 25 who are sexually active are the highest risk group for chlamydia infection in England. Untreated infection can have serious long term consequences, particularly for women, where it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

Louise Palmer runs the local chlamydia screening service for West Essex Community Health Services.

She said: “The great thing is that people can do the screening test themselves so there is no obtrusive or embarrassing examination or anything like that.

“The whole thing is private, confidential and free. If you are found to be positive, a short course of antibiotics is all that is needed.”

Young people under 25 can drop in for a free, quick and simple test at Dunmow Community Clinic in New Street, Dunmow, between 5pm and 7pm on every Tuesday throughout August, or each Thursday in August between 6pm and 8pm in Ferguson Close on the Saffron Walden Community Hospital site in Radwinter Road.

As well as the opportunity to take a chlamydia test, C CARDS (condom cards) and advice on sexual health issues will also be available.

For further information log onto westessexpct.nhs.uk/yourhealth/chlamydia.php or e-mail knowursafe@nhs.net for information and details of where you can get tested, or to obtain a free chlamydia testing kit text KIT with your name, age, address and sex to 60155.