Sexually transmitted infections at highest level ever

THE number of new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has reached its highest ever level in the Republic.

Figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre show that the number of notifiable STIs exceeded 10,000 cases for the first time ever in 2004. It means the total number of STIs has quadrupled in the past decade.

The HPSC warned yesterday that the prevalence of STIs among young adults highlighted how unsafe sex practices were placing their health at risk.

A total of 10,695 STI cases were recorded last year - an increase of 12.1% on 2003 figures. It is also the tenth consecutive year in which the total of STIs has risen.

The HPSC also warned the figures are likely to represent an underestimation of the true extent of STIs in Ireland.

However, there was a decline in the incidence of infectious hepatitis B (-24%) and syphilis (-39%) in 2004.

According to the HPSC, the most common STIs reported last year were anogenital warts, genital chlamydia infection and non-specific urethritis (infection of the bladder).

Dr Mary Cronin, HPSC specialist in public health medicine, said part of the reason for the rise in reported STIs was people engaging in unsafe sexual practices.

However, she said other factors, including the availability of more sophisticated testing methods and greater awareness among both the public and doctors, had also contributed to the increase.

Anogenital warts is the most prevalent type of STI in Ireland, accounting for almost 40% of the total number of cases.

In the US, it is estimated 1% of the sexually active adult population have visible genital warts, with many more having a latent form of STI.

While most visible genital warts are benign, some types of infection can lead to the development of cervical and other cancers.

The number of cases of genital chlamydia, which can severely reduce a woman's chances of having children, increased by 24% last year.

Dr Cronin urged people to take greater precautions in their sexual behaviour as many diseases were hard to detect.

For example, more than seven in ten women infected with chlamydia have no symptoms and may not realise they are infected.

"STIs can have devastating consequences for people's health and fertility if undiagnosed and untreated," warned Dr Cronin. "Early diagnosis and treatment are essential if we are to control the spread of infections."

The health specialist also expressed concern that STIs increased the danger of being infected with HIV, which has no cure.

The HPSC recommended sexually active individuals practice safe sex to reduce the health risks posed by STIs.

Research shows people living in the Health Service Executive mid-west area are most likely to report an STI.

It is estimated one in 200 people in the region have some type of STI. In contrast, just one in 7,500 people in the north-east will contract such an infection.