STD's on the increase, say figures

Sexually transmitted diseases are on the increase in Ireland, new figures have warned today.

The figures show that STDs increased by 10% in 2001.

According to the National Disease Surveillance Centre, the largest increases were in the numbers of Syphilis, Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia.

Spokeswoman Dr Mary Cronin says the increase is due mainly to complacency about the risks associated with sexual activity.

However, she does say that the cause is multi-factorial.