The National Chlamydia Screening Programme provides young people under 25 in England the opportunity to be tested for chlamydia, which is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK.

Chlamydia affects both men and women. Most people have no symptoms and, therefore, do not know they have the infection. Left untreated, it can have some serious consequences including infertility and long term pelvic pain.

• If you are aged between 15 and 25 years, annual testing for chlamydia is recommended. The test involves the collection of a specimen of urine, which is then sent to the lab.

Chlamydia testing can be organised by the doctors surgery; just make an appointment with the nurse or health care assistant. If it is difficult for you to get to the surgery, the test can still be done. To find out how, and for more information about chlamydia and its risks, click here.

If you are over 25 years of age and concerned about chlamydia (or any other sexually transmitted disease), please contact your GP or local sexual health clinic (known as GU clinics), where free, confidential testing can be carried out.