Numbers tested for chlamydia at highest level in years

The number of people getting tested for chlamydia in Dublin has peaked, and is now back at its highest level in years.

New figures released from the Dublin Well Woman Centre show testing for the sexually transmitted bacterial infection in Dublin is at its highest level in five years.

Over 4,500 tests have been carried out at the organisation's three clinics in the capital.

The highest rate of positive chlamydia tests occur in the under 20-age group - indicating that young people are engaging in risky sexual practices.

If diagnosed early, chlamydia can be treated with a course of antibiotics. However, if left undiagnosed, it can lead to more serious conditions including chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women, and testicular inflammation in men.