10% rise in chlamydia cases
Thursday, 17 July 2008 20:00
The number of people testing positive for the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia increased by more than 10% last year compared to 2006.
The rise is recorded in the annual report of the Dublin Well Woman Centre, which has three clinics in the capital.
The centre said that the balance and range of its services has changed in recent years, reflecting the country's changing sexual health needs.
The group's report published today shows the number of clients attending for full screening for sexually transmitted infections had increased five-fold in five years, while those wanting to be tested for chlamydia had tripled.
Of those being tested, one in 20 was found to have that disease.
The centre says a national sexual health strategy should be an imperative for the Government.
It says such a strategy is essential in order to meet the changing sexual and reproductive health needs of the population.
It should encompass 'a cradle-to-grave approach', dealing with sexual education and screening, the report says.
It also highlights the increased numbers testing positive for chlamydia, which increased by 11% in 2007 on the previous year.
The report says this infection was particularly prevalent in the under-25 age bracket.
Although this infection can cause infertility, the Well Woman Centre stresses that it is easily treated if detected early.
Meanwhile the number of couples attending for fertility visits more than doubled.
