Young people across Birmingham and Solihull are being urged to get themselves tested for chlamydia – the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted disease (STI) in the UK.

Someone with chlamydia may not have any symptoms but, if left untreated, the infection can cause infertility in women. If found early, it can be treated before it causes any problems.

The 15-24 age group has the highest rate of infection for chlamydia nationally but currently only 21% of young people in the West Midlands are tested for it.

To address the issue Umbrella, the sexual health service for Birmingham and Solihull, is distributing around 2,500 free chlamydia testing kits in youth clubs, hospitals, GP surgeries and health centres from Monday 8 February 2016.

Dr Meg Boothby, Genito Urinary Medicine Consultant at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It makes sense for any young person who is sexually active to get tested for chlamydia.

“In 50% of men with chlamydia there will be no symptoms and that rises to 70-80% in women. The danger is that people unknowingly carry it, pass it on to new partners and go untreated, which can lead to longer-term health problems.”

The chlamydia testing initiative is being supported by a social media campaign with awareness messages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Umbrella partner websites.

Visitors to Umbrella’s own website can order a free STI self-testing kit online. It will also test for gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis. For men who have (or have had) sex with other men, hepatitis B is also included.