Play safe this Valentine’s Day
Hunter New England Health is reminding people to practice safe sex this Valentine’s Day by using a condom to reduce their risk of contracting a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).
HNE Health Director of Sexual Health Dr Treeny Ooi said Valentine’s Day is a good opportunity to remind people of the importance of practising safe sex which is why the day has been declared National Condom Day.
“People often put a lot of thought in planning their Valentine’s Day. When you purchase chocolate and champagne to help celebrate don’t forget to add condoms to your shopping list,” Dr Ooi said.
“People are aware of the benefits of condom use but this is often forgotten in the heat of the moment. People may not consider themselves at risk, may not have condoms with them, or find it embarrassing to talk about using a condom.
“Unprotected sex should be the exception, and condoms should not have to be requested. After all, condoms are essential protection against STIs such as chlamydia, the most frequently notified disease in NSW.”
In 2009 there were over 14,000 cases of chlamydia reported in NSW. The number of cases in the Hunter New England Health region has more than doubled over the past seven years. In 2009 there were over 2000 cases diagnosed, with nearly three quarters in the 15 to 24 years age group.
Young people under 26 years are most at risk and up to 10 per cent of people in this age group may be infected with chlamydia.
Dr Ooi said a lack of awareness of the individual risk, and the fact that people can be infected without any signs, has contributed to this trend.
“Many people with a chlamydia infection will not have any symptoms and may unwittingly pass the infection to others,” Dr Ooi said.
“Chlamydia can lead to a number of health complications in both men and women.
"The test for chlamydia is very simple and will only take a moment of your time – it’s a urine sample. No invasive testing is needed. Treatment is easy, usually involving just a single dose of antibiotics,” she said.
“The only way to ensure that you do not have an STI such as chlamydia is to get tested. Organising a sexual health check is simple. You can contact your local doctor, sexual health clinic or Aboriginal Medical Service.
“The messages are simple. To protect you and your Valentine, use condoms and have regular sexual health check-ups at your GP, sexual health clinic or Aboriginal Medical Service so that you know you’re STI free,” Dr Ooi said.
For more information call the NSW Sexual Health Infoline on 1800 451 624.
Contact: Sharna McCarthy
Phone: 4921 4501