Sexually transmitted infections are back at Celtic Tiger levels, with one in 10 young people who present for testing confirmed has having chlamydia.

Testing for chlamydia has reached a five-year peak, as more than 4,500 Dubliners have presented at Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) clinics.

However, medical professionals have warned people are still failing to understand that safer sex is the only means of preventing the spread of the STI.

Around 5pc of those tested get a positive result and must undergo treatment, rising to one in 10 for those under the age of 20. Chlamydia can be treated with a course of antibiotics if diagnosed early.

Undiagnosed

However, if left undiagnosed, the infection can cause chronic pelvic pain and infertility in women, and testicular inflammation in men.

Chief executive of the Dublin Well Woman Centre Alison Begas said: "We always advise women who may have been exposed to chlamydia to come into our clinics to get tested.

"Testing for chlamydia is painless, and can be done on a urine sample."

Irish Independent