Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increased by 6.5 per cent in 2003, but the more serious infections of syphilis and gonorrhoea decreased substantially, according to new figures out today.
The latest available figures, released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) today, show the most commonly notified STIs in 2003 were ano-genital warts, non-specific urethritis and Chlamydia trachomatis.
Notifications of syphilis and gonorrhoea decreased by 22.4 per cent and 13.1 per cent respectively in 2003. Between 2000 and 2002, there was a dramatic increase in syphilis among gay men in Dublin, which peaked in 2002.
The HPSC said the decrease in notifications of syphilis and gonorrhoea may have resulted from the interventions put in place to control the syphilis outbreak.
However, notifications of syphilis have not returned to their pre outbreak levels and it remains endemic in Ireland.
HPSC Specialist in Public Health Medicine, Dr Mary Cronin, said that while the increases in reported cases reflect unsafe sexual practices, other factors including the availability of more sophisticated testing methods and public and professional awareness of STIs generally, also contributed to the increases.
She said that many STIs like chlamydia have no signs or symptoms.
"For example, more than seven out of ten women infected with chlamydia have no symptoms and may not realise they are infected," said Dr Cronin.
"Having another sexually transmitted infection also increases the risk of transmission and acquisition of HIV infection. The prevention messages have never been more important as there is no cure for HIV infection or AIDS, although with advances in treatment more people are living with the infection," she added.
She urged those who feel they have put themselves at risk form an STI to get checked out at a GP or clinic. Firgures on the instances of HIV and AIDS are released separately.