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Rise in sex infections continues Rise in sex infections continues
(about 1 hour later)
The number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to rise, latest figures suggest.The number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to rise, latest figures suggest.
Diagnoses of new sex infections rose by 2% to 376,508 from 2005 to 2006, largely among young people and gay men, the Health Protection Agency found.Diagnoses of new sex infections rose by 2% to 376,508 from 2005 to 2006, largely among young people and gay men, the Health Protection Agency found.
The biggest rise was seen in genital herpes, up 9% to 21,698. Among girls aged 16-19 the rise was 16%.The biggest rise was seen in genital herpes, up 9% to 21,698. Among girls aged 16-19 the rise was 16%.
But experts said there were encouraging early signs of reversing trends - gonorrhoea and syphilis dropped by 1%.But experts said there were encouraging early signs of reversing trends - gonorrhoea and syphilis dropped by 1%.
Some infections now appear to be slowing down. But there is no room for complacency Professor Pat Troop, chief executive of the Health Protection AgencySome infections now appear to be slowing down. But there is no room for complacency Professor Pat Troop, chief executive of the Health Protection Agency
Sexual infection diagnoses have been almost continually rising since the 1990s, with the highest increases in recent years being seen in the 16 to 24 age group.Sexual infection diagnoses have been almost continually rising since the 1990s, with the highest increases in recent years being seen in the 16 to 24 age group.
The HPA said part of the rise in the number of people being diagnosed was due to more people coming forward for testing.The HPA said part of the rise in the number of people being diagnosed was due to more people coming forward for testing.
During 2006, nearly 1 million people were screened for an STI at a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic.During 2006, nearly 1 million people were screened for an STI at a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic.
Mixed pictureMixed picture
Professor Pat Troop, chief executive of the Health Protection Agency, said: "There is mixed news in these figures.Professor Pat Troop, chief executive of the Health Protection Agency, said: "There is mixed news in these figures.
"Some infections now appear to be slowing down. But there is no room for complacency."Some infections now appear to be slowing down. But there is no room for complacency.
"The picture for young people remains particularly worrying.""The picture for young people remains particularly worrying."
Dr Gwenda Hughes, head of the STI section at the HPA, said higher STI rates were found in young people because they were more sexually active.Dr Gwenda Hughes, head of the STI section at the HPA, said higher STI rates were found in young people because they were more sexually active.
Multiple partners, changing partners and failing to wear condoms all contributed to higher rates in this group, she said.Multiple partners, changing partners and failing to wear condoms all contributed to higher rates in this group, she said.
STIs in 2006 Genital herpes up 9% to 21,698Chlamydia up 4% to 113,585Genital warts up 3% to 83,745Syphilis down 1% to 2,766Gonorrhoea down 1% to 19,007STIs in 2006 Genital herpes up 9% to 21,698Chlamydia up 4% to 113,585Genital warts up 3% to 83,745Syphilis down 1% to 2,766Gonorrhoea down 1% to 19,007
Another group at higher risk is gay men, according to the HPA.Another group at higher risk is gay men, according to the HPA.
"It's crucial that we reach these groups with messages about safe sex, including condom wearing, and the importance of getting tested if they feel they've put themselves at risk of contracting an STI," said Dr Hughes."It's crucial that we reach these groups with messages about safe sex, including condom wearing, and the importance of getting tested if they feel they've put themselves at risk of contracting an STI," said Dr Hughes.
Lisa Power of the Terrence Higgins Trust said: "Many STIs show continued increases, particularly amongst young people and gay men. We have to reverse this trend.Lisa Power of the Terrence Higgins Trust said: "Many STIs show continued increases, particularly amongst young people and gay men. We have to reverse this trend.
"Quality sex and relationships education - not just biology lessons - has been shown to decrease risky behaviour in teens. We also need to stop the decline in health promotion work for gay men at a local level.""Quality sex and relationships education - not just biology lessons - has been shown to decrease risky behaviour in teens. We also need to stop the decline in health promotion work for gay men at a local level."
About the rise in genital herpes, she said: "We need to get the message across that this is a lifelong and unpleasant condition which will require ongoing treatment, and not something to be taken lightly."About the rise in genital herpes, she said: "We need to get the message across that this is a lifelong and unpleasant condition which will require ongoing treatment, and not something to be taken lightly."
A spokesman for the Department of Health said improving sexual health remaineda priority for the NHS. Anne Weyman of the Family Planning Association said it was important for people to realise that they could catch genital herpes from oral sex as well as unprotected intercourse.
He added: "And we aim to carry on our excellent progress towards all patients beingoffered a GUM appointment within 48 hours by March 2008. A spokesman for the Department of Health said improving sexual health remained a priority for the NHS.
"The latest data shows that 85% of patients were offered an appointment within48 hours in May 2007." He added: "And we aim to carry on our excellent progress towards all patients being offered a GUM appointment within 48 hours by March 2008.
"The latest data shows that 85% of patients were offered an appointment within 48 hours in May 2007."