Sexually transmitted infections jumped by over 12 per cent in Ireland last year, according to figures released today.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said the rise reflects unsafe sexual practices but more sophisticated testing methods and public awareness of STIs also contributed to the increase.
Most of the 10,695 reported cases in 2004 comprised of ano-genital warts, genital chlamydia infection and non-specific urethritis.
Dr Mary Cronin
Public health specialist Dr Mary Cronin said many STIs may have no symptoms and early diagnosis was essential.
"For example, more than seven out of 10 women infected with chlamydia have no symptoms and may not realise they are infected.
"STIs can have devastating consequences for people's health and fertility if undiagnosed and untreated.
"Early diagnosis and treatment are essential if we are to control the spread of infections."
Dr Cronin urged sexually active people to practice safe sex and get checked out by a GP or clinic if they feel they put themselves at risk.
"Having another sexually transmitted infection also increases the risk of transmission and acquisition of HIV infection," she said.
Gathering STI data will be improved next year with a new web-based Computerised Infectious Diseases Reporting System (CIDR).
This has been developed to manage the surveillance and control of infectious diseases in Ireland and will be implemented nationwide in 2006.