Be a safe valentine this valentine's day
11 February 2011
Hunter New England Health is reminding people to reduce their risk of contracting a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) this Valentine’s Day by practicing safe sex.
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 and it is why the day has been declared National Condom Day.
“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,” Dr Ooi said.
“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.
“When you’re planning the perfect Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to pick up condoms when you’re shopping for flowers or chocolate. Making sure you are practicing safe sex is the best thing you can do for your partner this Valentine’s Day and every day of the year.”
In 2009 there were more than 62,000 cases of chlamydia reported in Australia.
The number of cases in the Hunter New England Health region has more than doubled over the past seven years. In the first half of 2010 there were about 700 cases diagnosed, with the large majority in the 15 to 24 years age group.
Young people under 26 years of age 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 or symptoms, has contributed to this trend.
“Many people with a chlamydia infection will not have any symptoms and may unknowingly 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 easy and will only take a moment of your time. It can be as simple as a urine sample. Treatment is 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.
“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