The number of sexually transmitted infections is increasing in Kent.

Medway has been hardest hit, according to latest figures, seeing a rise in reported cases of more than 25 per cent.

Each primary care trust (PCT) in Kent recorded a rise in the number of infections diagnosed at clinics over the past year.

Now health experts are urging people to wise up to the potentially serious risks involved in having unprotected sex.

The highest number of cases was at clinics within Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT, which covers Canterbury, Ashford, Dover, Thanet, Shepway and Swale.

There were 3,014 cases in 2007 - a 2.7 per cent increase on the previous year.

The biggest increase was within Medway PCT, when numbers rose more than 25 per cent from 1,454 in 2006 to 1,826 in 2007.

West Kent PCT saw cases rise 15 per cent to 2,824.

The most commonly diagnosed STI in the South East remains chlamydia – an often symptom-less infection that can lead to infertility and other health problems.

The condition has the highest infection rate in people aged between 16 and 24.

Cases of genital warts and genital herpes also increased across the region, while gonorrhoea numbers dropped.

National figures show a six per cent increase in the total number of new STIs diagnosed in 2007 compared to 2006.

Professor Jackie Cassell, South East Regional lead for Sexual Health, said: “We cannot rely on prompt diagnosis and treatment alone – a shift in behaviour is the only way we will bring down this continued increase in infections.

“Substantial numbers of young people remain undiagnosed, untreated and unaware of the risk both to their own health and that of their sexual partner.

“It is crucial that young people receive messages about safe sex, condom wearing and the importance of getting checked at their nearest GUM clinic if they have had unprotected sex with a new partner.”

If you have a story to tell that might encourage more people to check their sexual health, please email kentonlinenews@thekmgroup.co.ukin confidence.