Safer sex warning to young people as infection toll rises

The alarming statistic comes from tests taken last year on nearly 16,000 people aged 15-24 in the county.

Now health campaigners are launching a new fight to combat the disease, which is caused by the tiny bacterium chlamydia trachomatis and can cause infertility if left untreated.

A spokeswoman for the Family Planning Association, Rebecca Findlay, said: "Young people in this age bracket are the most at risk.

"Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is dangerous because sometimes it doesn't show any symptoms at all, so people pass it on to other sexual partners.

"If the disease is left untreated it can cause serious fertility complications.

"We would encourage people in North Yorkshire to use condoms and get used to talking about them with their partner. Both men and women can suffer from chlamydia, all this embarrassment that comes around condoms needs to stop."

Today the Family Planning Association has launched a week-long drive to promote safer sex which is being backed by NHS North Yorkshire and York.

The trust is calling on young people to make the most of the free condoms now available to men and women of all ages from GP surgeries, sexual health clinics and genitourinary clinics.

The associate director of public health at NHS North Yorkshire and York, Rachel Johns, said: "Condoms are the most effective method of contraception when it comes to reducing sexually transmitted infections.

"Carrying a condom should not been seen as a sign that someone is ready and willing to have sex – more that when the time is right, they want to be responsible and protect themselves and their partner.

"Health professionals who give out free condoms, like GP practice staff, can also give advice to people about being sexually active and what contraception would suit them best."

Despite the prevalence of chlamydia in North Yorkshire, the findings still fall well below the national average where one in 10 young people suffer from the sexually transmitted disease.

Cases of sexual infections have rocketed in the past decade with health experts blaming fewer people practising safer sex.

National Contraceptive Awareness Week runs from today until February 14.

Anyone wanting more information about sexual health services from the Family Planning Association, can call 0845 122 8690 or visit www.fpa.org.uk.