Figures show poor sexual health is a serious problem

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A report published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reveals that 61,493 new cases of sexually transmitted infection (STIs) were diagnosed in the North West in 2009 – a three per cent increase on the 59,702 diagnosed in the region in 2008.

There were increases in Chlamydia, up from 29,740 new cases in 2008 to 31,163 in 2009, genital herpes, up from 3,816 to 4007 in the same period, and genital warts, up from 12,132 in 2008 to 12,267 in 2009.

The North West figures show a slight decrease in new episodes of gonorrhoea, down from 2,163 in 2008 to 1,987 in 2009, and in syphilis, down from 520 new cases in 2008 to 430 in 2009.

The report highlights two areas of concern. Firstly, research reveals that nationally 11 per cent of 16 to 19 year old women and 12 per cent of 16 to 19 year old men who present with STIs at GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinics become re-infected within a year of treatment.

The second area of concern is that there is evidence of potential resistance to drugs used in treatment of gonorrhoea.

Dr Gwenda Hughes, Head of the HPA’s STI section said: “These latest figures show that poor sexual health is a serious problem among the UK’s young adults in particular. Young adults are more likely to have unsafe sex and often they lack the skills and confidence to negotiate safer sex.

“Re-infection is a worrying issue - the numbers we’re seeing in teenagers are of particular concern as this suggests teenagers are repeatedly putting their own, as well as others, long term health at risk from STIs.

“We are doing more testing, such as through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme, and some of the tests we are using for gonorrhoea and herpes are more sensitive, so as a result we are now picking up more infections.

“However, we know that the rise in STIs is also due in part to unsafe sexual behaviour. The safest way to protect yourself against an STI is to use a condom with new partners. Sexually active under 25 year olds should be tested for Chlamydia every year or when they change their partner”.

Justin McCracken, Chief Executive of the HPA said: “These are all preventable infections and it is a cause of considerable concern that we are still seeing increases across the UK, especially in gonorrhoea where we know drug resistance is emerging.

“These annual HPA reports play a crucial role in enhancing current strategies to control and ultimately prevent STIs.”