Rise in STIs among young people

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of Leaving Cert students contracting sexually-transmitted diseases while on post-exam holidays, according to experts.

A leading hospital consultant says peer pressure and excessive drinking are two of the main factors for the alarming rise in STIs.

A large number of people who go to STI clinics in the autumn are students and young people who are just back form a group holiday in the sun.

The most common diseases are chlamydia, gonorrhea and Hepatitis B.

Being infected with HIV is also a possibility.

Consultant physician in infectious diseases Dr Mary Horgan is blaming excessive alcohol for the risks that young people take with their sexual health.

In the past decade there has been a 200% increase in chlamydia and a 426% rise in cases of herpes.

The rate of syphilis in Dublin is among the highest in Europe.