A present you don't want for Valentine’s Day

St Valentine’s Day brings the prospect of hearts, flowers, chocolates, romantic getaways – and a sexually transmitted infection!

The Health Protection Agency North West is issuing this stark warning as figures reveal the region has some of the highest rates for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England and Wales.

The number of diagnosed cases of chlamydia, syphilis, herpes and warts has risen steadily in the period 2004-2008 with 184 chlamydia cases diagnosed in the Rochdale Borough in 2008.

Those aged 16-25 are identified as a particularly high risk group in the region, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of chlamydia cases, more than 60 per cent of warts cases and more than 50 per cent of gonorrhoea and herpes cases.

In the same age range, the rates for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital warts in the North West all exceeded those for England and Wales as a whole.

Roberto Vivancos, NW Regional Lead for Sexual Health with the Health Protection Agency, says the statistics reinforce the importance of young people practicing safe sex and screening themselves for STIs. He said: “The figures for the NW are quite alarming, especially in the age range 16-25. So while romance is very much in the air at this time of year, we want to remind young people to look after their health.

“Safe sex – that is using a condom with all new or casual sexual partners –is the surest way to ensure you do not become infected with a sexually transmitted infection. Testing for sexually transmitted infections is both free and confidential at sexual health clinics, GPs and pharmacists across the North West. If you have had unprotected sex with a new or casual partner you should go and get tested.”

“Most infections of this kind can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics so there is every reason to get yourself checked out.”

While the North West has some of the highest rates in the country for STIs, there is some positive news in the figures, with diagnosed cases of chlamydia and gonorrhoea both falling marginally between 2007 and 2008.