The number of people testing positive for the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia rose by 11 per cent last year, according to new figures released today.
The Well Woman Centre’s annual report reveals that the number of people attending its centres for full sexually transmitted infections (STI) screening has increased five-old since 2002, while the numbers being tested for chlamydia increased three-fold.
According to the report, 4,670 clients availed of a chlamydia test at the organisation’s three centres in Dublin, with just over 5.5 per cent of those testing positive, a rise of 11 per cent compared to 2006.
The highest prevalence rates for chlamydia were concentrated in the under-25 age category.
The Well Woman Centre said it was in favour of a national programme of screening for the disease, which it believes would be effective at early identification of chlamydia among high-risk groups.
Overall, almost 3,000 individuals attending Well Woman Centre’s last year for full STI testing, a 50 per cent increase on the preceding year.
Publishing its report this morning, the Dublin Well Woman Centre said the balance and range of its services has shifted dramatically in recent years to reflect changing sexual health needs.
It called for a national sexual health strategy to meet the ever-changing sexual health needs of the population. It said that such a strategy should encompass a cradle-to-grave approach dealing with sexual education; a programme of sexual health screening and testing which is age-appropriate; contraception, and comprehensive treatment programmes to deal with sexual health problems.
“From our experience, it is clear that Ireland’s sexual health needs are changing. Most people now have multiple sexual partners in their life time; they are delaying child birth and living longer, with the consequence that most remain sexually active for longer," said Well Woman’s chief executive, Alison Begas.
"The population’s needs have moved beyond basic contraception to encompass a whole range of sexual and reproductive healthcare services."
