The Health Service Executive (HSE) is urging people to avoid the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) by carrying a condom on Valentine's Day.
"There is nothing romantic about an STI," said Catherine Murphy, assistant national director for population health at the HSE. "If left untreated, complications from chlamydia, for example, can include pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
"Condoms are the most effective defence against conditions such as chlamydia, genital warts or HIV," she said. "We encourage people to carry condoms, particularly as sex is often unplanned."
The HSE said recent research had shown that of those who did not use a condom on their last sexual encounter, the most commonly given reason was trust that one's partner did not have an STI. A further 9 per cent said they did not think they were at risk from an STI.
The HSE's health promotion functional manager, Brian Neeson, said although some people may be embarrassed or reluctant to carry a condom, not using one could lead to infection. "Sexually transmitted infections can be asymptomatic, so anyone who is sexually active should ensure they practise safer sex," he said.
Mr Neeson said there were still some ambivalent attitudes towards carrying condoms. He said some people felt discomfort or embarrassment if it emerged they were carrying condoms, rather than feeling they were doing something responsible.
The HSE has just launched a campaign aimed at educating people about the risk of contracting an STI and how this can be prevented by using a condom.
Mr Neeson said the campaign would focus on issues such as ambivalence towards carrying condoms and getting the message across that just because someone has had a vasectomy, for example, didn't mean they were protected from infection.
Research conducted on behalf of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in 2005 found a significant increase in certain STIs. These included a sharp increase in chlamydia, which rose by 19.6 per cent to 3,353 cases, compared with the 2004 figures. Chlamydia now accounts for one in three of all reported STIs in the Republic. There was also a sharp rise in syphilis notifications.
"Though syphilis only accounts for about 3 per cent of reported STIs, it is an important marker of risk, particularly for men who have sex with men. Infection increases the risk of transmission of HIV," the HSE said.
"Those planning a passionate Valentine's Day should ensure they are well prepared and always use a quality condom with a BSI kitemark," the HSE said.