|
|
|
Safe sex this summer
Hunter New England Health is encouraging people to have regular sexual health checks and to practise safe sex this summer as notifications of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) often increase over the summer months.
Chlamydia infection is common in the Hunter New England Health area. It is the most commonly notified infection and the number of cases has more than doubled over the past five years. In 2007 there have been 1,618 notifications to date.
Young people aged 15 to 25 years are most at risk and up to 10 per cent of people in this age group may be infected with Chlamydia.
There has also been a recent increase in the number of cases of Gonorrhoea in the region.
Public Health Physician, Dr Tony Merritt said many people with a Chlamydia infection will not have any symptoms and may unwittingly pass the infection onto their partners.
“Too many people are infecting their partners unknowingly and the only way to ensure that you do not have an STI such as Chlamydia is to have a sexual health check at your doctor,” Dr Merritt said.
“We recommend that all sexually active people under the age of 25 years have a routine sexual health check each year.
"The test for Chlamydia is very simple and can be done on a urine sample. Treatment is also easy, usually involving just a single antibiotic tablet.
"Many sexually active people are aware they should have a sexual health check but may find the prospect daunting,” said Dr Merritt.
A sexual health check is a simple process and can be arranged with a GP or through the local sexual health clinic.
Condoms offer good protection against STIs and are an important part of practising safe sex.
“There is a high awareness about the benefits of condom use but it can be a very different story when it comes time to put that knowledge into practice. People often don't consider themselves at risk or find it embarrassing to talk about using a condom with their partner,” Dr Merritt said.
"People can help themselves and their partners by making condom use normal, and not something that has to be requested.
“The message is simple. If you are sexually active, it is essential to use condoms and have regular sexual health tests at your GP or sexual health clinic so that you know you’re STI free,” Dr Merritt said.
Contact: Tanya Carlyle
Phone: 4939 2602 or 0428 112 028
|
|
|