Rise In STI Infections In NI

The latest sexual health figures have revealed a rise in the number of new Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

According to the Public Health Agency (PHA), the amount of people being diagnosed with gonorrhoea, syphilis and herpes soared last year.

Chlamydia remained as the most commonly diagnosed STI, with 1,787 diagnoses in 2018, a 6% rise on the previous year.

Notably, new diagnoses of syphilis increased by 72%, with 86 people in 2018 compared with 50 in 2017.

The amount of people told they are suffering from gonorrhoea increased by 30% at Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics throughout the region, with the highest number of episodes (882) recorded to date. 80% of these were diagnosed in males, with a high proportion of those in men who have sex with men (MSM). There are also smaller but still important upward trends among heterosexuals.

Dr Claire Neill, Specialist Registrar with the PHA, said: "The trend in gonorrhoea is particularly concerning. As with elsewhere in the UK, we are seeing increasing levels of antibiotic resistance and this has led to a recent change in treatment guidelines for this infection. There is a real risk that antibiotic options will become less effective in the future, so it's really important that we take steps to protect ourselves from becoming infected in the first place and reduce the potential for spreading gonorrhoea by wearing condoms.

"While the majority of the increase in gonorrhoea and infectious syphilis was seen in MSM, this may be due at least in part to significantly increased STI testing levels among MSM during 2018. We're also seeing smaller upward trends among heterosexuals so it is important that everyone takes the necessary steps to help protect themselves. Avail of regular screening and the support that is available through our GUM clinics – the sooner an STI is diagnosed, the sooner it can be treated."

New diagnoses of genital herpes decreased by 8% to 501 in 2018. The decline in STI diagnostic rates has been the greatest in females aged 16-19 years (71%) and males in the same age group.

Dr Neill added: "People with STIs don't always have symptoms, but by having unprotected sex, you could effectively be sleeping with everyone your partner's ever slept with, putting yourself at risk of getting an STI. Therefore, we are urging people to always use a condom.

"It is also important to take steps to reduce the risk of harm to yourself and others if there's a chance you have contracted an STI. There are GUM clinics across Northern Ireland, so if you are at risk, make sure you attend one of these clinics to get checked out for free."

Information on looking after your sexual health, details of NI GUM clinics and symptoms of STIs can be accessed here.



(JG/CM)