Research advises against chlamydia screening campaign

New research is advising the government not to introduce a screening campaign for chlamydia.

Sexually Transmitted Infections are on the rise in Ireland, with the number of reported cases of chlamydia increasing from 1,000 in 1997 to around 6,000 in 2008-09.

A new report from the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, NUI Galway and the HSE shows that screening for the STI would not be cost-effective.

That is because our small population, and the already strained health service, would make it difficult to achieve the coverage levels necessary to reduce the level of infection.

The study, being released as part of sexual health week, also asked 18 to 29-year-olds if they would be willing to be tested for chlamydia, with 75% responding that they would.

Chlamydia is usually not detectable, but can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancies.