DIY Chlamydia tests for under-25s

Research shows a large number of cases go undiagnosed

Dorset's young people are to be offered free do-it-yourself chlamydia test kits, as part of a four-day campaign.

Sexual health staff will release Not For Virgins postal kits to cut the rise in chlamydia among 16 to 24-year-olds.

Figures show 7% of nearly 2,000 youngsters in the county who were screened tested positive for the sexually transmitted disease (STD).

The tests are posted to the sexual health clinic and the results are shared with the patient.

Silent epidemic

The kit involves a urine sample for men and a self-taken swab for women.

Barry Alborough, Weymouth Community Hospital sexual health matron, said almost 2,600 young people in Dorset could be unaware they have the infection.

"Dorset is an area known for its lively, youthful social life, but recently we have seen an alarming increase in STIs [sexually transmitted infections] in young people, with chlamydia being the most common," he said.

Chlamydia, described "the silent epidemic", can have serious side effects including infertility in women.

Research shows a large number of cases go undiagnosed because around 50% of infected men and 70% of infected women do not have any symptoms.

A Dorset sexual health team van is expected to tour the county from Thursday to mark the launch of the scheme.