Chlamydia continues to rise
Chlamydia diagnoses continue to increase, new
figures from the Health Protection Agency reveal.
Diagnoses rose by 4 per cent in 2006, with 113,585 cases diagnosed in
genitourinary medicine clinics in the UK in 2006. Rates were highest
among women aged 16–19 years and men aged 20–24 years.
Overall, new diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections increased by
2 per cent, rising from 368,341 in 2005 to 376,508 in 2006.
The HPA is concerned about the high levels of infection seen in young
adults and gay men. Gwenda Hughes, head of the sexually transmitted infections
section of the HPA, said: “It’s crucial that we reach these
groups with messages about safe sex, including condom wearing, and the
importance of getting tested if they’ve put themselves at risk
of contracting an STI.”
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has produced a leaflet promoting sexual
health services available from community pharmacies. “Ask about
sexual health” explains the advice and services pharmacies offer,
such as emergency hormonal contraception, chlamydia testing and pregnancy
testing, and provides information about STIs.
Copies of the leaflet can be ordered from the Society’s public
relations team (e-mail pr@rpsgb.org). A Welsh language version is available.
Sexual Health Week is 6 to 12 August 2007.
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