Sex disease epidemic ‘must be tackled’

THE epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among teenagers will continue to rage unless treatment services are expanded and properly resourced, doctors have warned.

Genito-urinary physician Dr Derek Freedman said delays in accessing treatment were extremely significant because it meant the infection was left untreated in the community, increasing the risk of transmission.

“This leaves the potential for complications. In the case of some diseases, where the symptoms are only present for a short period, it means they may have abated before the person with the infection can get an appointment. That person will then not bother visiting the clinic because they think the infection is gone. They are unaware that they are still carrying the bug.”