Sexually transmitted diseases increase in NI

A new report on diagnoses made in Genito-Urinary Medicine clinics in Northern Ireland shows sexually transmitted infections have reached a ten-year high.

A report issued by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre shows in the last decade, the number of new attendances at GUM clinics has doubled here, reaching almost 18,000 in 2000/2001.

The report also shows although there has been an increase across all age groups, the most significant trend is amongst young men and women particularly in the 16 to 24 year old age group.

The number of new sexually transmitted infections diagnosed has risen from an annual total of 6,000 in 1991/92 to over 11,000 in 2000/01.

However this statistic represents a considerable underestimate of the actual burden of sexually transmitted infection in the wider community the report states, as this includes only those diagnoses made at GUM clinics and excludes those made elsewhere within the health services.

The report shows that uncomplicated genital chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection diagnosed here. The number of cases annually has doubled since 1995/96 (965 diagnoses in 2000). Findings reveal that it is likely that those diagnosed represent only the tip of the iceberg since studies have shown that 70 per cent of infections in women are asymptomatic.

Dr Anne Kilgallen, Specialist Registrar at CDSC, said it is important that people are aware of the safe sex message: “At this time of year, with the party season underway, people are more sexually active. There is a real risk of exposure to sexually transmitted infections, through all types of sex. Wearing a condom for all types of sex, including oral sex, may reduce this.” (AMcE)