Increase In Sexually Transmitted Infections In NI

The number of people with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has risen in Northern Ireland, according to new figures.

A report from the Public Health Agency (PHA) revealed an increase in cases of gonorrhoea, herpes and chlamydia, while numbers diagnosed with syphilis and genital warts were down.

The 'Sexually Transmitted Infection Surveillance in Northern Ireland 2018: An analysis of data for the calendar year 2017' report shows that there was a 1% overall increase in STIs diagnosed through Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics compared with 2016.

Dr Claire Neill, Specialist Registrar with the PHA, said: "By having unprotected sex, you could effectively be sleeping with everyone your partner’s ever slept with, putting yourself at risk of getting an STI. We are urging people to always use a condom, and to get tested if they have put themselves at risk.

"People with STIs don't always have symptoms, so anyone having unprotected sex could be putting their health at risk.

"It is also important to take steps to reduce the risk of harm to yourself and others if there's a chance you have contracted an STI. There are GUM clinics across Northern Ireland, so if you have put yourself at risk, make sure you attend one of these clinics to get checked out for free."

(CD/MH)